James R. O'Brien

James R. O’Brien, 78 of Leicester, passed away after a brief illness at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday, September 25, 2022 with his family by his side.

James was born in Worcester, a son of the late Edna May (Wyman) Leveillee-Rutherford and George “Jake” Leveillee.  He attended Worcester schools and later entered the United States Army National Guard.  James worked as a material handler at Flexcon for 30 years before his retirement.

James was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing.  He was very social, a big flirt and jokester.  James also enjoyed going out to eat with his brother-in-law, Edward, and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. James was always there to help anyone for anything that they needed. He loved to be there for you and support you. 

James is survived by the “Love of his Life” and sweetheart, his beloved wife of 60 years, Madeline L. (Pratt) O’Brien; four children, Doreen Ray Lambert and her husband Gary of Dudley, Darlene Ray Stowell of North Carolina, Debra Jean O’Brien and her husband, David Phaneuf of Worcester, and Michael J. O’Brien, Sr. of Worcester; a daughter-in-law, Karen O’Brien of Webster ; a brother, George Leveillee and his wife Pam of Northbridge; a sister, Rose Gilbert of Worcester; thirteen grandchildren, Thomas, Timothy and Todd Lambert, Tara Staruk and her husband Daniel, Christopher O’Brien, Erin Stowell, Stephen Remillard, David Phaneuf and his wife Leah, Amy Camejo and her husband Cesar, Amanda Phaneuf, Michael J. O’Brien, Jr. and his wife Jolynn, Andrew and Cody O’Brien; nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by two grandsons, Jeffrey, and James O’Brien; a great grandchild Alexia; two brothers, William, and Walter O'Brien; a sister, Carol Leveillee.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, October 2^nd from 2-5 pm with a funeral service at 4 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.  Burial will be held privately and at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105