Bruce O'Brien

In Loving Memory of Bruce Martin O’Brien

Bruce Martin O’Brien, beloved husband, and father, a beacon of courage and unwavering dedication, graced this world on February 28, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Francis Martin O’Brien and Evelyn Catherine Jaeckels. At a young age, Bruce traveled with his family to Hopkins, Minnesota.

Bruce's life's purpose unfolded after graduating in 1965 from Spring Lake High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He embarked upon his remarkable life journey by enlisting in the United States Navy. He completed advanced training honing his skills as a Navy Engineman.

As an Engineman Third Class, known to his Navy shipmates as “Obie,” Bruce traveled to his first duty station at Totsuka, Japan from January of 1966 through April 1970, where he served valiantly during the Vietnam War. His commitment to duty would then guide him to the USS Proteus from August 1970 to October 1971, where he earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare pin. Continuing his naval journey, Bruce served aboard the USS Hunley from October 1971 to August 1974; and from September 1974 to December 1978, Bruce found himself aboard the USS Pegasus, the Navy's groundbreaking hydrofoil, marking the dawn of a new era.

Bruce continued his remarkable career from December of 1978 to June 1982, at Service Schools Command in Great Lakes Naval Station, Waukegan, Illinois in Navy Instructor Training. There, his heart found its lifelong soulmate, Elizabeth "Betsy" Aldrich. As he and Betsy trained to become Navy instructors, their friendship blossomed into a love story of warmth and devotion that would last the rest of his life. Following two years of long-distance romance they exchanged vows on January 31, 1981. Not only a loving and caring husband and father to his adopted children Christopher Andrew and Samantha Annette, Bruce was also a steadfast protector and supporter of those he held dear.

As he resumed his duties at Service Schools Command, Bruce authored the instruction manual for the Navy Gas Turbine Engineers and became the Department Head for the Navy’s Gas Turbine School. He subsequently sailed on the USS O’Brien, named in honor of his ancestor, Jeremiah O’Brien from July 1982 to June 1987, during which time he achieved the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief.
It was during Bruce’s time on the USS O’Brien that he proudly welcomed his 10-year-old son to share his living and duties at sea on a “Tiger Cruise” where his son completed the Junior Enlisted Warfare program.

Subsequently, Bruce's journey continued at the Naval Service Pacific Readiness Support Group in San Diego, California from June 1987 to March 1991. Here, his dedication to duty and leadership escalated, and was recognized through his commission as Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1991. Aboard the USS Callaghan from April of 1991 to November 1993, he received his Service Warfare Officer pin and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4. Bruce's service path led him to Service Schools Command in San Diego from December 1993 to November 1995, concluding his remarkable 32-year career. Upon retiring in January 1996, he received a deserved Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, Bruce exercised his military privilege as a commissioned officer swore in his son, Christopher, and re-enlisted his wife Betsy in 2001, both in the Navy. He also proudly attended his son’s Recruit Training graduation on the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Some of his proudest moments included attending and participating in the weddings of his children.

Bruce worked as a manager of the Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Auto Hobby Shop in Sigonella Air Station, Sicily, Italy from 2003 to 2004, where his wife was stationed. At the hobby shop, he was a dynamic force in business operations, revenue growth, and business development.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Bruce received numerous accolades, including two Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, two medals from Vietnam, two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Kuwait Service Medal as well as other medals honoring his service and deployments.

Beyond his military service, Bruce’s hobbies included breadmaking, amateur photography, and woodworking, where his craftsmanship lovingly extended to creating a two-step bed ramp for Betsy. He reveled in amateur bowling, found joy in trap and skeet shooting, and held a special place in his heart for Disney's Eeyore. His musical palette spanned from Sinatra's "I Did It My Way" to the heartfelt melodies of Elvis, Barbara Streisand, Cher, and Celine Dion.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Martin and Evelyn Catherine (Jaeckles), as well as his brothers, Mark and Roger, a sister Elizabeth, and her husband William Gilbertson.

He leaves a legacy etched and built in love, survived by his cherished wife and best friend, Elizabeth “Betsy” O’Brien, his son Christopher O’Brien (Stacy), his daughter Samantha O’Brien, a brother Chuck O’Brien (partner Jean), a sister Mary O’Brien, sisters-in-law, Penelope Anderson, Sandra O’Brien, nieces, Kimberly Gerick (Todd), Jennifer Fleming (Troy), and nephew, Mark O’Brien Jr., along with a multitude of treasured family members and friends.

Bruce O’Brien's memory will forever be a testament to his boundless courage, his unwavering love for his family, and his strong spirit. As we bid farewell, our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for the man who touched our lives so profoundly. Bruce's presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever shine brilliantly in our hearts. As he often quoted Eeyore, “Thanks for Noticing!”