Ware- Richard G. O’Brien, 76, of Ware died on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Palmer.

He leaves his beloved wife of 54 years, Karen (Reynolds) O’Brien, of Ware. He also leaves his three children; Cynthia Riggie of Ware, Richard O’Brien and wife Melissa of Hardwick, and Robert O’Brien of Ware. He leaves his two brothers; Gary O’Brien of Hardwick, and Ronnie O’Brien of Ware; and five beloved grandchildren, Joey, Dustin, Kylie, Courtney, and Eithen.

Richard was born in Ware, to the late Richard and Florence (Johnson) O’Brien. Richard served in the US Navy for 4 years, stationed on the ‘John F. Kennedy’ aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean. Upon his return home he started his 45-year career working as a machine operator at Kanzaki Paper, formerly known as Ludlow Papers. Richard spent many years enjoying camping up at Bald Mountain in Vermont, making many memories with his family. He was also an avid golfer, competing in the Calcutta tournament, and spending much of his time at Dunroamin Country club in Hardwick.

A calling hour for Richard will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00-11:00am at Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, Ware, MA. Burial with military honors will follow at Hardwick Cemetery, Petersham Road (Route 32A), Hardwick, MA at 11:30am.

Charbonneau Funeral Home is honored to serve the O'Brien family. An online tribute page can be found at charbonneaufuneralhome.com.