Norman R. O'Brien

Falmouth, Maine Norman Richard O’Brien passed peacefully in the early Morning hours of March 31, 2023 Norm (O’Bie) was born February 17, 1930, to Arthur S. O’Brien and Sarah (Sadie) Devere O’Brien. As a child and through high school O’Bie excelled at baseball and acting and singing in several Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas performed at Falmouth High School. While in High School, he joined the Maine Army National Guard along with many of his friends .He was federalized August 14, 1950 to serve in the Korean Conflict, He was very proud of his service. After returning home from his service, He married Beatrice Pfeffer (Bee) on July 9, 1955, and they were blessed with five children and nearly 68 years of shared love and commitment. A life long and third generation Falmouth resident, Norm believed it was his duty and pleasure to give back to the town he loved. He actively served the Falmouth Fire Department from 1945-2005, rising through the ranks to lead the department as Chief from 1973-1981. During his time as Chief, the department was modernized through the building of two modern stations and the purchase of the town’s first ladder truck. He was recognized as Falmouth’s Citizen of the Year in 1978. In addition to the Falmouth Fire Department, He was active as a coach in Falmouth Little League, as a Trustee for the Blanchard Cemetery Corporation, American Legion Post #164 in Falmouth, the American Truck Historical Society and its Pine Tree Chapter, and for many years his deep bass voice could be heard as a member of the Falmouth Congregational Church Choir. Norm was employed by New England Telephone and Telegraph, from which he retired in 1981. After his retirement, not happy with being idle, he went to work for Falmouth Public Works, until he retired again in 1993. Again, not being happy with all this free time, and Bee being none too pleased with him telling her how to do the housework, he went back to work “part time” for R.E. Coleman Excavating. He truly loved driving a dump truck for Robbie Coleman, and later for Robbie’s son Rodney. He stayed until he was just shy of his 80th Birthday. Norm was predeceased by both his parents, Sister, Joyce Everett, and Son in-Law, Mark Bickford. He is survived by his loving wife Beatrice, children, Joyce Bickford of Windham, Eileen Wilner and her husband Paul of Falmouth, Arthur and partner Leana Moxley-Hagan of Sanford, Thomas of Falmouth, and Andrew and fiancee Christine Watson of Pownal. Several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Nieces and Nephews. The family would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Pat Beaulieu for her fantastic care and friendship to O’Bie over the last few years. We couldn’t have done it without you! We would also like to thank Toni Methot for her care and kindness to Norm. There will be a graveside service 11:00 am Saturday June 3rd at Blanchard Cemetery for family and close friends, with a reception and celebration of Norm’s life at 12:30 at Falmouth Central Fire Station on Bucknam Rd. for anyone who would like to share their memories and remembrances of Norm.

Norman R. O'Brien

February 17, 1930 - March 31, 2023

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