Raymond H. O’Brien, P.E., 97, of Blairstown, formerly of Verona, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at home.
Born in Maspeth, Queens, NY, Raymond moved with his family to Verona in 1955, where he resided for 53 years before moving to Blairstown, NJ in 2008. A World War II veteran, Raymond entered the Navy at 17 years of age, in February 1945 and was honorably discharged in July 1946. He served on the USS Ebert.
Raymond attended Mechanics Institute and graduated in 1949. He then attended NYU in the evenings for the next five years studying mechanical engineering. He had professional engineering licenses from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. He retired as Chief Mechanical Engineer from E.I. Associates in Cedar Knolls, NJ, but continued as a consultant to E.I. through his own company, Con-Trac Engineering Corp.
During his professional career, he was instrumental in developing clean room environments and the air shower leading to the clean room for the Saturn V project while working for Bendix Corp.
Raymond also worked on the freezing process for the development of freeze dried coffee for General Foods, Maxwell House Division, while employed at CK Engineering Co. He had an incredible work ethic that he passed along to his children and a deep appreciation for all aspects of the mechanical contracting industry.
For recreation, Raymond enjoyed traveling, boating and scuba diving. He was President of the NJ Skin Diving Club in 1968, and he encouraged his children to become certified divers as well. Growing up, Ray’s family enjoyed many fond memories at their weekend home at Lake Wallenpaupack.
Raymond was an avid clock collector and an antique clock repair specialist. He had done work for Bernhard and Dean Levy, Inc., dealers of fine antiques and art in New York City. Closer to home, he was most proud of his work on the tower town clocks in Verona, Cedar Grove, and Montclair, NJ. He serviced the Verona clock for 21 years before his move to Blairstown and was a 50 year member of ASHRAE and NAWCC.
Raymond was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jean Wells O’Brien, his daughter and son in law, Jeanne and William McEnroe, his granddaughter Jana Rae Tucci, and his brother George Hill. He leaves behind his daughters Noreen Santuoso (Martin), Kathleen Leonardelli (Paul), Virginia Coffey (Dennis), Colleen McNamara (Paul), son Raymond E. O’Brien (Sandy). He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth O’Brien Prager.
Raymond was also the loving grandfather of Robert (Rita), and Timothy Carlson, Owen (Jamie) and Margaret Kelly McEnroe, Erin Vasold (Matthew), Patrick McNamara, Kaitlyn, Raymond J., and Joy O’Brien. Raymond was also the great-grandfather of four, Alexandra, Jocelyn, Keira Jean and Will.
Arrangements are under the direction of Newbaker Funeral Home and a private family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blairstown Ambulance Corps., P.O. Box 389, Blairstown, NJ 07825, would be appreciated.