Obituary of Stephen Neil O'Brien

Stephen Neil O’Brien, Retired Owner & President of Watts Security, while surrounded by family, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, September 4, 2024. He was 92 years old. Steve was born May 1, 1932, in Malden, MA. He was one of seven children born to Michael and Sarah O’Brien. He grew up in Malden and was a graduate of Malden High School, class of 1950. In high school he was an outstanding athlete. He was the quarterback for the football team, forward on the basketball team, and first baseman on the baseball team. He loved growing up in Malden, had wonderful memories, and lifelong friends. As a collegiate athlete, Steve was recruited by numerous colleges, deciding on the University of Massachusetts largely influenced by Malden native and Boston College football star, Charlie O’Rourke, who Steve eventually played under at UMASS as a starting QB. While at UMass he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and established great connections and added to his lifelong friendships. 

Steve then served in the Army during the Korean War for almost two years. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, Germany. After his military service he went to work at JM Fields in Rochester, NY. In 1970 Steve was named General Manager of Watts Security Systems in Boston. Under his direction Watts Security saw major customer growth into the Hi-Tech corridors of Routes 2, 93, 128, 495 and Massachusetts Turnpike. In 1975, Steve acquired sole ownership of Watts Security Systems, subsequently incorporating the company to Watts Security, Inc. in 1984, and continuing its substantial marketplace growth extending into Central and Western Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Steve had solely operated Watts Security, Inc. as President and CEO from 1975 until 2014. He continued to have an office and assisted with operational and managerial guidance up until the age of 88. He then passed the reigns over to his son Sean, who now runs the company. Over decades of entrepreneurial business ownership, Steve had hundreds of employees throughout New England, serving the emerging hi-tech industries and a host of other institutions and businesses.  Everyone possesses special talents.  For Steve, it was understanding people, creating relationships, earning trust, seeing the best in others while establishing and nurturing fairness and loyalty.

Steve was a longtime and active member of the community in Burlington. He was a member of the American Legion, Burlington High School Boosters Club (President), Burlington Country Club, and Knights of Columbus. In the K. of C., he served as President of the Corporation and started the annual Thanksgiving morning breakfast. He was also a member of the Irish American Club in Malden. He was a parent who was always present at his children’s football, basketball, and baseball games, cheerleading competitions and track & swimming meets. He continued that passion with his grandchildren as well. He was so proud of his children’s achievements and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

Steve and Frances created special memories with their children during annual family vacations on Cape Cod, mainly Dennisport & Harwich, with open invitations for extended family and friends. They enjoyed 30yrs. of traveling to Florida for the month of March with Pompano Beach being the favorite destination. Adventures to Jupiter, Hollywood Beach, Sarasota Venice, and Naples were amongst the most treasured. At the age of 86 the family trip to Ireland had special meaning for Steve, as he has deep Irish roots. The visits to Dromoland, Bunratty and other historic O’Brien Castles was cause for engaging Happy Hour conversations after long days of exploring Steve’s heritage. Tours of the Waterford and Guinness factories prompted Steve to enjoy a pint of Stout at a neighborhood Dublin pub with Irish locals he longed to experience.    

Steve was a true Boston sports fan, having season tickets for the Celtics and Red Sox for many years. His Watts Security Boston office was on Brookline Ave., walking distance to Fenway Park, making impromptu dashes to watch the Red Sox too good to pass up. Steve and Frances shared their love for sports with their children, encouraging active involvement in all sports, providing the priority of academics and schoolwork were accomplished before sports and clubs were enjoyed. Steve and Frances reserved trips to Wonderland & Rockingham race tracks, and the Wynn Casino, for birthdays and anniversaries.  

Steve was the beloved husband of 67 years of Frances (Duncan) O’Brien. Having both grown up across the street from each other in the Bell Rock Park section of Malden, they had known each other since the age of fourteen and created a loving home in Burlington for their children.  He was the father of Lynne Doherty & her husband Kurt of Burlington, Stephen F. O’Brien of Burlington, Leslie Harrington of Halifax, Sean O’Brien of Andover, and Leigh McGillivray & her husband Kevin of Burlington.  He was the brother of the late Herbert O’Brien, Robert O’Brien, Sister Trinita “Rita” Sister of Providence, Eleanor Grace, Joseph O’Brien, and Donald O’Brien. He was the proud grandfather of Kara Gilmartin, Devon Doherty, Lee, Colin, and Sarah Harrington, Sean, Ryan, and Alexander McGillivray. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Monday, Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.