To the editor:

On Jan. 5, 1977, 25-year-old John O’Brien was sworn in as the 24th register of deeds for Southern Essex County (Including 1636-1637, clerk of Quarter Courts in Salem and Ipswich). Over the next four decades, John O’Brien would become a champion for the people in his district and nationwide — a forward thinker and solution-finder. Over the years, he’s pushed for the advancement of technology while protecting the integrity of the land-recordation system. He was also a pioneer in electronic recording of Land Court documents. There’s a reason why he won a Smithsonian award for innovative use of technology.

John’s progressive thinking moved all areas of this registry forward. He lived by the motto “How May We Help You!” operating the registry like a family-owned business. He hit the street with outreach programs, created a free Property Fraud Watch Alert program, and always had an open-door policy for employees, constituents, friends, and family. 

As this year is about to end, so does John’s tenure as register. A four-decade career as a public official is quite astonishing. His dedication to the people of the Southern Essex District is an inspiration. The phrase “Thank you for your service” seems trivial for the 46 years, 11 months, and 26 days, or 17,161 days, he has been in office. 

John, we’ll remember you not only as the longest-serving register of Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds, but as a great man full of humor, wit, and compassion.

Nancy Fitzgerald Doherty