Obituary: Edward C. O’Brien

Edward C. O’Brien, at 94

Edward Charles O’Brien, best known as Captain Ed, beloved proprietor of Jake’s Seafood Restaurant, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston in 1930, the eighth of nine siblings, Mr. O’Brien lived a life full of love, service, and laughter.

A proud veteran, Mr. O’Brien served as a Sergeant First Class in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean conflict, with postings in Tokyo, Japan, and Baumholder, Germany. Following his military service, he returned to Massachusetts and made his home in Hull, where he joined the Hull police force. His career later took him into the food industry, culminating in the purchase of Jake’s Seafood Restaurant, which he owned and operated alongside his wife, his son Jim, and daughter-in-law Paula for the past 40 years.

Captain Ed was a man with an infectious smile, a quick wit, and an endless trove of stories. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome and was always more interested in hearing someone else’s tale than telling his own. He was a dedicated benefactor to all things Hull and South Shore – the local schools, church, synagogue, and countless community programs. His presence was larger than life, his laughter unmistakable, and his kindness unwavering.

Mr. O’Brien cherished his home town of Hull and he leaves behind a community forever enriched by his generosity and his humor. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to service, his deep love for his family, and the warm welcome he extended to everyone who walked through the doors of Jake’s. His legacy will live on through the memories he created, the stories that will be shared, and the lives he quietly touched.

A devoted husband, Mr. O’Brien was married to the love of his life, Barbara (MacDonnell) O’Brien, for 70 years before her passing in 2023. Together, they built a beautiful family and a legacy of warmth and generosity. Mr. O’Brien was the proud father of seven children: John (Patti) O’Brien of Virginia, Mike (Carol) O’Brien of Ohio, Barbie (Bill) Walsh of Weymouth, Tom (Lisa) O’Brien of Ohio, Jim (Paula) O’Brien of Hull, Mary O’Brien Merrigan of Hull, and Linda O’Brien (Roger Wade) of Cohasset. His love extended to his 17 adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who regularly traveled far and wide to spend time in Hull while visiting or while working at Jake’s, and to share laughter and stories with their cherished Grampy. “Uncle Ed” also leaves dozens of nieces and nephews near and far whom he loved dearly.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Saturday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Ann’s Church. Burial is private. A celebration of Mr. O’Brien’s life will be held at Jake’s Seafood Restaurant, 50 George Washington Blvd. immediately following his funeral Mass, where family, friends, and all who loved him can gather to share memories, enjoy a good meal, and in true Captain Ed fashion, share a few laughs together.

In closing, our family would like to acknowledge and thank our very special care team and hospice team who supported both Mom & Dad with an exceptional level of care during the past several years. We are eternally grateful to all of you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. O’Brien’s memory to NVNA & Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.