Larry O’Brien 1917 – 1990

Biography

Lawrence Francis O’Brien was born on July 7, 1917, in Springfield, beginning a life marked by distinguished service to his nation. Over the course of several decades, he would establish himself as a prominent figure in American public life, holding positions of significant responsibility and influence across multiple sectors.

O’Brien’s career encompassed leadership roles in both government and sports. He served as Postmaster General of the United States, overseeing the nation’s postal system during a critical period in American history. Beyond government service, he also held the position of Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, bringing his administrative expertise to professional sports during the league’s formative years.

On September 28, 1990, O’Brien passed away in Manhattan after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of public service. He was laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where his remarkable journey had begun seventy-three years earlier. His contributions to American civic life and sports remain part of the nation’s historical record.