Patrick J. O'Brien Print E-mail

Patrick J. O'Brien

Former Owner and President of Focus Chemical Corporation.

Patrick J. O’Brien, 79, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, passed away Wednesday April 15, 2020 at Bellamy Fields in Dover, New Hampshire.

For 46 years, he was the beloved husband of Anne M. (Cooney) O’Brien who survives him and with whom he resided in Portsmouth, NH and Jupiter Island, FL.

Born in Lowell, MA, January 10, 1941, Pat was the oldest child of Elizabeth (Jump) O'Brien and Leon O'Brien. Pat attended the Immaculate Conception School and Keith Academy High School, graduating in 1958.  He graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME in 1962 with a Degree in Chemistry. Throughout his high school and college years, Pat played basketball as a guard.

Pat was an Army veteran and from 1963-65, while in the Army, he received the Distinguished Joint Service Commendation Medal from the Secretary of Defense for meritorious service during the period July 1963 to January 1965 serving as a member of the Office of Telecommunications National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

In 1965 Pat began his career in the chemical business and worked in this field until his retirement in 2006.  He began his long and industrious career at Hooker Chemical in Niagara Falls, NY in 1965 and was employed at other chemical companies in the US. In 1983 he founded Focus Chemical Corporation, a niche business, located in Portsmouth, NH.  At Focus, his chemical distribution company imported highly specialized chemicals from Europe, Asia and Brazil.  Pat was a member of the NACD (National Association of Chemical Distributors), the New England Chemical Club and Portsmouth Country Club in Greenland, NH.

Pat was an avid reader, boater, family man and gentleman.  He will be remembered by friends and family for his infectious laugh, laid back personality and great sense of humor. 

In addition to his wife Anne, he is survived by his daughter Christine A. O'Brien of Brisbane, Australia; his siblings: Maureen (O'Brien) Finnegan of Norwalk, CT; Laurence O'Brien and his wife Vicki of Salisbury, MA;  Margaret (O'Brien) Meade and her husband Brian of Lowell, MA; Brenda (O’Brien) Schroer and her husband Edward of Lowell, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In light of the Covid 19 medical crisis and federal and state restrictions, Patrick’s Funeral Service will be private. A Celebration of Life Service for Patrick will be held at a later date to be announced. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made in Pat's memory to: Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd., S. W. Lilburn, GA 30047. or LBDA.org. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – (978) 458-8768. 











Condolences (9)
  • Cheryl Namay Castle  - So sorry ❤️
    Anne I am so sorry to hear of Pats passing. You and Christine are in my prayers. Sincerely Cheryl
  • Dick and Pam Krans  - Our deepest sympathies
    We are so saddened to read of Pat’s passing. He was the type of person you instantly liked and wanted to spend more time with. We look forward to re-connecting with you at Pat’s Celebration of Life Service. We hope you and Christine are well.
  • Anne Flood White
    Anne, Christine, and the O'Brien Family, My sincere sympathy on Pat's passing. He was a rare individual motivated by kindness, full of integrity, and; always a true gentleman. I pray you will find comfort in memories, smiles, stories, laughs, and; sometimes tears but all cherished each and every day. sincerely, Anne Flood White
  • Julie and Dana Iacovelli
    Anne and Christine: We were so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. What a wonderful man he was. I know how much you loved him. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Prayers to you and Christine.
  • Linda Osburn
    My deepest sympathy to Anne and Christine. Gayle and I have such great memories of watching Christine grow up and of the kindnes of her wonderful parents.
  • Gayle Osburn  - My heartfelt wishes
    Anne and Christine, I am sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I remember him as a warm caring man that could also be a force of nature.
  • Alan and Elizabeth Moses  - Our sympathy
    Dear Anne, Please accept our sympathy on this sad occasion. How unfortunate that these frightening times deepen loss and increase the sense of isolation. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you comfort and peace. Alan and Elizabeth Moses (Harbour Place)
  • Tom Kelleher  - Sincere Condolences and Prayers
    Anne, Christine, Maureen, Larry, Margaret, Brenda, and Families, I am truly sorry for your loss. Pat was an exceptional guy. He'll be remembered fondly by all of you and his many friends. Sincerely, Tom
  • Dennis Scannell  - May Patrick Rest in Peace
    Sorry to hear the news today...Pat was a great person.....Best to Anne and all Family members...
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