Peter “Pete” O’Brien, a lifelong resident of the Catskill Mountain community, passed away in 2026 at the age of 100. Born on August 8, 1926, in East Jewett, New York, he was the son of Thomas O’Brien and Mary (McHugh) O’Brien.
Pete was raised in East Jewett and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. His final assignment was aboard the USS YMS-200, a minesweeper serving near Hiroshima, Japan. For his military service, Pete received the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Following his military service, Pete returned home to East Jewett, where he completed high school alongside three of his siblings. He went on to attend the New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Canton, New York, where he completed the two-year Electrical Technology program and earned his certificate.
In the early 1950s, Pete returned to Windham, New York, where he began his career as a licensed Master Electrician. He formed the short-lived Alva Electric Corp., operating out of what is now the Windham Town Hall building in Hensonville. Five years later, he established Peter O’Brien Electric in Maplecrest, New York.
Pete dedicated more than 60 years of his life to his trade, serving as a licensed Master Electrician from approximately 1954 until his formal retirement in 2016 at the age of 90. He resided in Maplecrest from approximately 1969 until his passing.
A beloved and familiar member of the community, Pete, worked on countless homes and businesses throughout the area. He became lifelong friends with many of the people he served, and He was the go to electrician for people in need of his expertise. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether helping someone with an electrical project, home or yard maintenance, or repairing equipment.
Pete believed strongly in giving back to his community. He was a Third-Degree Knight of Columbus, where he helped train new members through the First and Second Degrees. He was also a member of the Knights of the Road, an organization dedicated to helping travelers in need and supporting local Little League baseball. Pete served as a former Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1545, the St. James F. Cartl D.S.C. Post. For many years, he also organized the Windham Town Easter Egg and Treasure Hunts in support of the town’s youth.
In recognition of his service and dedication, Pete was awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal in 2015 for “exceptional valor and dedication on behalf of the people of the State of New York.”
Pete’s greatest passion was simply being able to work with his hands and help others and he took great pride in figuring out how to accomplish whatever he set his mind to. He enjoyed traveling with his siblings in their RVs and especially cherished sitting with family and friends, reminiscing and telling stories about days gone by.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary (McHugh) O’Brien; his beloved wife, Joy (Burke) O’Brien; his son, Peter O’Brien Jr., and his wife, Isoko; his son, William O’Brien; his brothers, Clarence O’Brien and Thomas O’Brien; and his sisters, Teresa (O’Brien) Decker, Rose (O’Brien) Beers, and Catherine O’Brien.
He is survived by his children, Eileen Roselli and her husband, Jeff; Michael O’Brien and his wife, Celia; and Kathleen Adams and her husband, Russ, and his stepson, Henry Elbrecht. He is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward.
Pete leaves behind a legacy built not only through his many years of skilled workmanship and service, but through the countless friendships, helping hands, stories, and memories he shared with those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many members of the community whose lives he touched.
In keeping with Pete’s spirit of service to others, memorial donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers https://dogood.t2t.org/Donate or Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Care has been entrusted to Decker Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at http://deckerfh.com.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 24th from 3 to 7 pm at Decker Funeral Home 5312 Route 23 Windham, NY 12496.
Those wishing to "View" the Funeral Liturgy are encouraged to follow our Facebook page as it will be broadcasted Live from there.
Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bwrivns7G/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A Funeral Liturgy will be offered on Friday, September 25th at 11 am at Our Lady of Knock Shrine 2052 Route 145 East Durham, NY 12423, immediately following will be escorted to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Ashland, NY by the Patriot Guard Riders of NY where Pete will have full Military Honors and burial.
Rest peacefully, Pete. Your work here is done, but the mark you left on your family and community will remain for generations to come.
