Neil Joseph O'Brien

Neil Joseph O’Brien, 67, of Groton, MA, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Neil is survived by his beloved wife Lori (Genetti), son Andrew Scheipers and wife Stephanie, son Casey and wife Ashley, son Chris and wife Morgan, and son Taylor. Neil is the proud grandfather to Lily, Noelle, Eamon, Josie, Cameron, Grant, Ava, and Willard, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his brother Terry O’Brien and wife Diane, sister-in-law Cheryl O’Brien, Judy and Roger Waible, Linda Lord, Beth and Steve Poznick, and Frank & Cindy Genetti. Neil was uncle to nieces and nephews Donna, Sarah, Cary, Matt, Nick, Frank, Adam, Dorie, Katie, Hayley, and many other grand nieces and nephews. 

Neil is predeceased by his parents, Francis and Martha, brothers Kevin and Paul, brother-in-law Richie Cerullo, nephews Ken, Patrick, and Ross, and cherished pet boxers Otto and Bandit.

Neil was born in Worcester, MA, on September 23rd, 1957, son of Francis and Martha (LaPointe) O’Brien. He grew up in Worcester and attended Burncoat High School, graduating with the class of 1975. Neil attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he graduated in May of 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Zoology. Neil later obtained a Master's of Business Administration from Bentley College in 1989.

 He enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career as a senior software engineer, during which he developed several patented innovations. At the time of his death, Neil was employed by CAST Navigation in Tewksbury, MA, and will be greatly missed by his work family.

Neil and Lori first met and worked together at Sperry Research Center in Sudbury, MA, in 1980, and married on September 17th, 1983. They moved to Groton in 1984, where they raised their family. Neil was a die-hard Boston sports fan and spent much of his free time coaching his sons in baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and Pop Warner football. He served as Commissioner of Groton Youth Baseball for many years and was a respected coach. Neil had a passion for history and a deep interest in geopolitics. He also had a lifelong love of music, taking after his mother by singing in the choir as a young man, and spending much time listening to his favorite bands, Sublime and the Ramones.

Above all else, Neil took pride in being a devoted family man. Neil was a quiet guy with quick wit and sharp intellect who would do anything and everything for his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year with details to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Groton Dunstable Youth Baseball, Groton Crusader Youth Hockey or the Salvation Army are welcomed.