Harold F. O’Brien, Jr. of West Lowville

Harold F. O’Brien Jr., 93, passed away peacefully at the home of his son, John and daughter-in-law, Sue, on August 6, 2026 surrounded and cared for by his loving family and Hospice. During his final days, Harold was blessed by visits from dear friends and caring neighbors, whose presence brought him great comfort and happiness.

Harold was born on August 17, 1932, at the Lewis County Hospital in Lowville. He was the son of the late Harold and Susanna (McCarthy) O’Brien. He married Jean Monks, daughter of the late Eugene and Violet (Larkin) Monks, Lyons Falls on January 19, 1957 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lyons Falls with Fr. Isele officiating.

He graduated from Lowville Academy in 1950 and served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1954. He first enlisted in the Naval Reserves before being drafted into active service. During his time in the Navy, his ship docked at several ports throughout the Caribbean, including Havana, Cuba, the Panama Canal, Haiti, and Jamaica. His military service was cut short and he was honorably discharged in order to return home to help on the family farm after his father was injured.

Harold and Jean purchased the family dairy farm on Route 12 in Lowville from his father in 1965. They owned and operated the farm for 27 years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, Harold remained connected to farming by spending several years working with his sons and helping them on their farms.

Harold was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He loved to read westerns by Louis L’Amour, but most of his books were related to his faith. His favorite books and his bible were never far from him. He prayed often throughout the day, keeping his family and friends in his prayers. Whenever something in our lives called for extra prayers, we all knew he was the person to turn to. He was also known for his sense of humor, kindness, friendliness and generosity towards others.

In his 70’s, Harold began creating amazing woodworks using barn wood. One of his first creations was a replica of the shack from the Christian fiction book The Shack. He started by using barnwood and moved onto other types of wood. He created vintage cars, trucks, wagons, animals, people and much more. His newly found talent, attention to detail and creativity made us always wonder what his next creation would be.

During their retirement, Harold and Jean enjoyed traveling to visit family. They rode horses in the hills of an Arizona ranch, four wheelers in South Carolina and took their first cruise with a cousin and her husband. With their faith being a large part of their lives, they took bus trips to religious sites to see various churches, basilicas, shrines, and oratories. Twice they traveled to Alabama to see Mother Angelica. It was especially important to them to participate in the March for Life in Washington D.C. Throughout their lives they were caregivers for elderly family members, which included both of their parents, aunts and others in the community. They often visited residents at the nursing home in Lowville. These visits meant as much to them as they did to the residents.

Harold’s happiest times were spent on the farm. After Jean’s passing, he returned home to the farm, where he found comfort being surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of farm life. He especially loved hearing about the daily activities on both Steve’s and John’s farms. As well as being surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his five children: Martin O’Brien, Lowville; Patricia (Dennis) Nortz, Webster; John (Sue) O’Brien, Lowville; Stephen (Jo-Anne) O’Brien, Lowville; and Allan (Kim) O’Brien, Watertown; as well as his former daughters-in-law Jill Stalberger, Minnesota and Holly O’Brien, Calcium. He was the beloved grandfather to fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer Wilkerson, Shana O’Brien, Amie (Nate) Stafford, Nicole (Jim) Sees, Emily (Sam) Sarratori, Brett (Vanessa) Nortz, Kevin (Laura) O’Brien, Michael O’Brien, Lee (Jaclyn) O’Brien, Clayton (Justine) O’Brien, Laura (Zach) Shambo, Patrick O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, and Erin (Thomas) Olver. He is also survived by 26 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. He loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister Mary Dubach, sisters and brothers-in-law Mary O’Brien, Jannette O’Brien, Edwin Rounds, Joyce Mealus, Gail Wakefield, Susan (Mahlon) Martin, and Eugene (Pamela) Monks, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harold is predeceased by his wife Jean, his twin sons Paul and Kenneth, his grandchildren Barbara O’Brien and Kyle O’Brien, and two great grandchildren Lucia Sarratori and Amelia Sarratori. Daughter in law Jeanette, His siblings: Charles and Edward. Sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Carol Rounds, James Mealus, Joseph Wakefield, and Thomas Dubach,

Calling hours will be held at the Sundquist Funeral Home on Monday, August 10th, from 5 to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be said on Tuesday, August 11th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lowville, with Rev. Sony G. Pulickal, Pastor officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Lowville Rural Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Lewis County Marine Corps League, any food donations or covered dish to pass may be left off after 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning at Farney Hall.

Contributions may be made to: St. Peter's Memorial Fund, 5439 Shady Avenue, Lowville, NY 13367 or Lowville FFA c/o Mel Phelps Lowville Academy 7668 N. State Street, Lowville, NY 13367