William E. O'Brien

William E. O’Brien, 88, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on April 27, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Ann O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien was born in Norwalk, CT on October 17, 1937; a son of the late Lee and Sophie (Swatland) O’Brien. 

Mr. O’Brien was active in serving his community during his youth, working on his father’s milk truck as a boy and achieving Eagle Scout in 1951. Mr. O’Brien graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School in 1955 before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves and attending Fairfield University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Science. Mr. O’Brien was honorably discharged from service in 1962.

A longtime resident of Ridgefield, Mr. O’Brien was a retired fiber optics engineer, having worked at Perkin Elmer in Wilton on defense projects and at Time Life in publishing. He was also an entrepreneur, running several small businesses until his retirement. Mr. O’Brien was a dedicated Yankees and Giants fan, a fly fisherman, and greatly enjoyed traveling in his later life.

Mr. O’Brien is survived by his sons Jason and Brendan O’Brien and former spouse Dawn DePuy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry O’Brien of Stamford, CT.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. US Army funeral honors will be offered at the conclusion of the mass. There will be no calling hours and interment will take place privately. Contributions can be made in his name to the Connecticut Humane Society in Wilton. Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.