Obituary: John "JJ" O'Brien, 36, Of Malden

The following obituary was originally published by the Carroll Funeral Home:

O’BRIEN, John J. “JJ”- Of Malden.

Born in Malden and a lifelong resident, “JJ”, at 36 years of age, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 22, at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose.

A United States Army veteran during the Enduring Freedom Campaign in Afghanistan he received numerous medals and awards during active duty among them, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal as well as the Combat Infantryman Badge.

A graduate of Malden High School Class of ‘96 he was standout sportsman during his days there wearing number 21 in Baseball and 85 in football. A sprinkler fitter, he worked for over four years at Amanti Company in Salem.

Devoted son of Michael E. and Karen (Grace) O’Brien. Beloved brother of Michael O’Brien and his wife Kathryn of Lynnfield, George O’Brien and his wife Debra of Billerica and Lisa Sprague and her husband Calvin of Center Barnstead, NH. Loving uncle of Patrick, Nicholas, Hayley, Michael, Dylan and Derek O’Brien, Calvin and Michael Sprague and Rondo. Also lovingly survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral from the Carroll Funeral Home, 721 Salem Street, (Maplewood Square) MALDEN on Saturday, May 30th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden at 10 o’clock.

Visiting Hours in the Carroll Funeral Home on Friday, May 29, from 3-5 and 7-9 PM. Services will conclude with interment at Forestdale Cemetery, Malden. Expressions of sympathy

in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.