Francis Bartholomew O'Brien died after a long illness Aug. 27th at the age of 77. He was born and raised in Melrose, graduated from St. Mary's Grammar & Melrose High School Class of 1942 and has been a lifelong resident. He enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Hopping (DE155) from 1943 to 1946, seeing action in the North Atlantic and the South Pacific. He was a recipient of the WWII Victory, American Theater, European-African-Middle Eastern, Asiatic-Pacific Theater and Philippine-Liberation medals. Frank also received 3 Battle Stars for combat action in these theaters. After discharge from the US Navy he was appointed to the Melrose Fire Dept. in June of 1947 following in his father's footsteps (Capt. Bart O'Brien). He was promoted to Lt. in 1952, Capt. in 1960 and became Chief of Melrose Fire Dept. in Aug. of 1972. Frank served as chief for 17yrs retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Lt. Norman Prince VFW, SGT. Harold O. Young VFW Post #2394, ''Tin Can'' Sailors, D.E.S.A., former member of Melrose Firefighters Local 1617; I.A.F.C., Mass. Assoc of Fire Chiefs and a founding member of the Metro Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid System. Husband of Anne E. (O'Keefe) O'Brien. Devoted father of Mary Christine O'Brien of Melrose, Paula F. Govostes & her husband Diamond of Sanford,ME, Capt. John J. O'Brien (Melrose Fire Dept.) & his wife Carol of Malden, Timothy J. O'Brien & his wife Sheri of Holliston, Lt. James B. O'Brien (Boston Fire Dept.) & his wife Terri of Melrose and Andrea L. Coleman & her husband Dan of Saugus. Brother of Mary A. Ford of Melrose. Loving grandfather of Daniel S., Christopher, Diamond, Dennis, Michael, Caitlin, Davis, James, Hailey, Brendan, Danny, Liam and Caroline. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday Aug. 31st at 10:15AM. Funeral mass in The Church of the Incarnation 429 Upham St. Melrose at 11:15AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday 2-8 PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to Melrose Fireman's Relief Fund 576 Main St. Melrose 02176.