To the editor:

47 years ago, the people of Essex County gave me the honor and privilege of electing me to serve them as register of deeds. 

I often think that this would never have happened if not for the people of Ward 6 in the City of Lynn, who in 1971, took a chance and elected a 19-year-old to serve as a member of the Lynn City Council. 

To my family, coworkers, friends, and constituents, thank you for being so kind to me over those years. I had hoped to be able to finish my term, which expires in January of 2025, but I realized that my health, particularly my diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, would no longer allow me to fulfill my responsibilities as register of deeds as I would want to do and as the people of Essex County deserve.  

As this chapter in my professional life comes to a close with my retirement on Dec. 31, 2023, thank you all for making it possible.  

I sincerely thank you for your friendship, support, and assistance in making the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds the model of excellence that it is.  

John L. O’Brien