Plymouth Father of Nine Remembered as GoFundMe for Justin Obert, 61, Surpasses $129,000
Justin Obert, 61, Plymouth father of nine, died April 27 in I-95 rollover near Danvers; GoFundMe raises over $129,000 for his widow and children
A wave of generosity has swept across Massachusetts and beyond as a GoFundMe campaign for the family of Justin Obert has raised more than $129,000 in just days. The 61-year-old Plymouth father of nine was killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 95 near the Danvers-Peabody line on Monday morning, April 27, leaving behind a devoted wife, children, and grandchildren facing life without their provider.
The crash happened around 10:45 a.m. as Obert was driving his 2003 Peterbilt tractor-trailer northbound on I-95 near Exit 70. His truck collided with a 2018 Honda Pilot, sending both vehicles off the roadway. The big rig rolled over and struck a guardrail, and Obert was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Honda declined medical treatment, and the incident remains under investigation.
News of the loss traveled quickly through trucking circles and local communities where Obert was a familiar presence. For years he worked as a CDL driver across New England, logging early mornings and long miles to support his family. Friends describe him as steady, hardworking, and quick with a kind word at truck stops, delivery docks, and neighborhood gatherings.
In response, organizer Dawn Woollacott launched the fundraiser titled Support for Justin Obert's Family to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, household bills, and ongoing living costs for his widow and nine children. She wrote that Obert tragically lost his life while simply providing for his family, calling him more than a truck driver, but the backbone of his family and a respected face throughout the region.
The page has become a gathering place for memories and support. Donations have poured in from fellow drivers, coworkers, neighbors, and strangers moved by the story of a father who gave everything to his family. Messages attached to gifts praise his work ethic, his generosity, and the quiet way he showed up for others without expecting recognition.
By Saturday, the total had climbed to $129,213 and continued rising as shares spread across social media. For many contributors, giving was a way to honor the essential work truck drivers do every day, moving goods along I-95 and keeping shelves stocked, often at personal risk. The campaign offers relief at a time when grief and financial pressure collide.
Losing a parent of nine creates challenges that extend far beyond funeral costs. There are mortgages, groceries, car payments, and everyday expenses of raising children and supporting grandchildren. Community fundraisers cannot replace a husband and father, but they can provide breathing room, allowing a grieving family to make decisions without the added weight of urgent bills.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the focus for those who knew Justin Obert remains on his legacy. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who measured success not by miles driven but by the stability he provided at home. Supporters are encouraged to continue sharing the fundraiser and keeping the Obert family in their thoughts as they navigate the difficult road ahead together.
