Neal Declan O'Brien, a lifelong Concord resident, died at Emerson Hospital on November 16, 2021. He was 66. A gentle, soft-spoken and unassuming man, Neal was nonetheless possessed of a razor-sharp intellect and dry, and wry, sense of humor. He was a history buff who read voraciously and collected many books relating to history, particularly US history. A native Concordian, Neal enjoyed and venerated all things related to the history of Concord. That he did so quietly, away from the noisier customs and celebrations, is all the more to his credit. He treated the town as, fittingly, his home in every true sense of the word. He cared for his elderly mother, Miriam C. O'Brien, until her death at age 94 in June of 2020. Much laughter was shared by them over the years watching television favorites. He also loved and cared for several family pets over the years who will assuredly be waiting for him on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Neal is survived by his brother James F. O'Brien who resides in Florida. Neal will be laid to rest at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery alongside his parents. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.