AUBURN — Ronald G. O’Brion Sr., 80, of Court Street, Auburn, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 21, at his home.

He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Jan. 5, 1932, a son of the late John P. H. and Margaret (Pineau) O’Brion. Ron was educated in Portland and graduated from Cheverus High School in 1950.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he received a Purple Heart.

Ron was a firefighter for the Portland Fire Department until he was involved in an accident between two firetrucks. He then worked for General Electric as a welder inspector. He later went on to work for St. Mary’s Hospital and the 12 Hour Club. He enjoyed the company of friends and family, and playing cribbage with youngsters.

He leaves three daughters, K. Patrice O’Brion of South Portland, Maureen O’Brion-Snowden and her husband, John, of Cape Elizabeth, and Linda O’Brion-Strout and husband, Robert, of Limington; five sons, Michael O’Brion and his wife, Debora, of Portland, John O’Brion and wife, Lina, of Saco, Ronald O’Brion Jr. and his wife, Terry, of Portland, David O’Brion of Falmouth, and Daniel O’Brion of Portland; two sisters, Loretta Dufour and her husband, Timothy, of Portland, and Carolyn Fuller of Portland; a brother, James O’Brion, of Portland; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his former wife, Kathleen; and two brothers, Harold and Richard O’Brion.