Leo O'Brien Jr., Owner

Leo O'Brien Jr. was born in 1931, the first son of Leo Sr. and Mabel O'Brien. Leo Jr. grew up in a rural and agricultural environment during the late years of the depression.

Leo attended local elementary schools and in 1949 graduated from Cathedral High School located in Burlington, Vermont.

In the fall of 1949 Leo commenced his college education at St. Michael's College in Winooski Park, Vermont. Leo's education was interrupted when the Korean War started in July 1950. Leo quickly enlisted in the US Navy serving until July of 1954.

In September of 1954 Leo enrolled as a sophomore at the University of Vermont, graduating in May 1957 with a BA degree in economics and political science.

In April 1957 Leo Sr. died, at the age of 62 and graduating in May 1957 Leo decided to join Dan in the family business.

In April of 1958 Leo married Stella Cotrupi and together they raised six children. Unfortunately, Stella died of a heart attack in January 1978.

The O'Briens always had a keen interest in politics and Leo pursued this interest early, serving on several town and county boards and commissions.

In 1962 Leo decided to try elective politics and he was elected as South Burlington's Representative to the Vermont General Assembly. He was re-elected in 1964 and 1966 serving as minority Leader for the Democratic Legislature. In 1968 Leo was elected as a State Senator of Chittenden County.

In 1970 Leo received the Democratic nomination to run for Governor of the State of Vermont. Unfortunately Leo lost the election to a very popular incumbent Governor.

Leo stayed active serving as a Special Assistant to Governor Thomas Salmon, 1972-1973, served as Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Vermont 1973-1975, and was a Special Assistant to US Senator Patrick Leahy 1975-1983. Leo also served as a Trustee of the University of Vermont and State Agriculture College and a Trustee of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont located in Burlington, Vermont.

In 1969 Leo became a director of the Merchants National Bank, becoming Chairperson in 1995, retiring from the board in April of 2001. Leo also served as a director of Merchants Bankshares Holding Company retiring in 2002.

In 1987, Leo was appointed to a six-year term on the 36 member National Dairy
Promotion and Research Board, representing the six New England States. Leo served as Treasurer of this board from 1990-1993.

Leo has always been very active in the various O'Brien family businesses until 2003 when he and his wife Bonnie decided to spend 3 or 4 of Vermont's winter months in Florida.