Chester Joseph “Chet” O’Brien, lovingly known as “Father Chet,” passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on April 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM, surrounded by his family. Just weeks earlier, on March 31, he joyfully celebrated his 90th birthday—a milestone that reflected a life richly lived in faith, service, and love. Fittingly, on the night of his passing, an Atlas rocket was launched—an echo of his life’s work and a fitting tribute to the legacy he helped build.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Arlington, Chet carried with him a deep sense of curiosity, dedication, and compassion throughout his life. At the age of 18, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. His service included active duty during the end of the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, followed by eight years in the reserves. Among his many responsibilities, he was part of the “Broken Arrow” team, entrusted with the critical and delicate work of disassembling damaged nuclear weapons. After his military service, Chet pursued his passion for science, studying chemistry at Northwestern in Massachusetts. Though his early ambitions were rooted in chemistry, his career journey would span remarkable and diverse paths. He worked as a bartender—where he and his beloved wife, Norma, worked side by side at the Green Parrot in Cambridge, Massachusetts—owned a lobster company, and later became a pioneer in fiber optics, developing and producing some of the earliest medical instruments using this emerging technology. His innovative spirit carried him into aerospace and defense, where he contributed his talents at Avco, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and BEA Systems. Among his proudest contributions was his work developing the internal flight control systems for the Atlas rocket. He ultimately retired in 2011 after a long and accomplished career. Yet, beyond all professional achievements, Chet’s heart was most deeply rooted in his faith and his family. Influenced profoundly by the strong spiritual foundation of his mother and father, he carried those values throughout his life. A devoted member of his church community, he answered a higher calling and was ordained as a priest in 2019. From that moment on, he became “Father Chet” to many—a source of comfort, wisdom, and unwavering love. He often said, with a twinkle in his eye, that while he once aimed for the stars, as a priest he was “aiming a little higher.”Chet spent his final years in Titusville, Florida, living with his daughter Kerry, son-in-law Brett, and granddaughter Alexa, surrounded by the warmth and closeness of family. To his children, he was affectionately known as “Father Father,” a title that reflected both humor and deep admiration. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma O’Brien, in 2017, and his daughter, Jennette Brewer, 2024. He is survived by his son David O’Brien and daughter-in-law Lyn O’Brien; his daughters Michelle Goodwin Norton and Kerry O’Brien-Henz; his son-in-law Brett Henz; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of love, strength, and faith.A Memorial Mass celebrating Chet’s life will be held on May 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Anglican Church in Port St. John. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available to view online via the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18tzHYUUjd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Chet’s life was a testament to service—in uniform, in profession, in family, and ultimately in faith. He leaves behind a legacy not only of accomplishments, but of kindness, humility, and devotion. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered as a man who truly aimed higher. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Anglican Church in Port St. John, or to a charity of your choice in his name.