John O’Brien began his life in a rough neighborhood of Paterson, N.J. but has found a much more peaceful existence at Stony Hill Village in Granby center. O’Brien moved to New England when he accepted a transfer with a company where he was employed as a warehouse supervisor. Unfortunately, after 16 years with the company, he was the victim of a workplace accident when a distracted forklift driver pinned him against a wall, causing severe damage to his ankle and leg. O’Brien became wheelchair bound for two years but is now a dedicated dog walker who counts his steps on a daily basis, often recording four miles a day.
After his recovery, O’Brien pivoted to an entirely new career as manager of Old Oak Tavern for a few years, working long hours and rising very early each morning, a habit he continues to this day. He moved to Stony Hill Village at the beginning of 2015 and has become well known to most residents of his community. We often say that it takes a village to raise a child, and that is most certainly true. It also takes a village to care for those in our neighborhoods and communities who need a little extra help as they grow in wisdom and years. O’Brien has lent a hand, his legs and his vehicle to many in Stony Hill Village, whether they need a ride to the grocery store, hairdresser or doctor’s appointment, or they need their dog walked or cat fed if they are away for a time. He will help with laundry and hold a hand in the hospital when family is not available. As O’Brien would say, “You ask me if I can do it—if I can, I say yes. If I can’t, I say no. I do not ask anyone for money.”
Sometimes, a resident requires more than the occasional helping hand and O’Brien is more than willing to help. To continue to live independently, some residents need assistance preparing meals, prescription management and someone to call if there is an emergency; O’Brien’s cell phone is always close by to take the call of someone in need. On a more structured level, he receives a stipend from the management company to act as a caretaker when assistance is needed and the staff is not on-site. In this capacity he can open apartments if a resident gets locked out, turn off fire alarms and accept deliveries for vacant apartments. He also has the unenviable job of responding to a middle of the night call from the management company to check on whether a maintenance issue requires immediate attention. A true jack of all trades with a kind heart to match!
O’Brien’s big heart certainly reaches outside of the Stony Hill community as well. His childhood was not only impacted by the “ghetto” (his label) he lived in, but a dysfunctional and abusive family, one in which he never received birthday or Christmas gifts. At Christmas he thrives on making children happy and delights in donating to the many toy drives in the area, knowing that there are those, like him, who will not otherwise receive presents.
Granby is very lucky to have Stony Hill Village as an affordable and comfortable option for elderly and disabled neighbors. We are also fortunate to have a concerned and caring John O’Brien as a resident of Stony Hill and Granby!