ALBANY – Richard J. “Dick” O’Brien, 73, of Albany, formerly of Blackstone, MA, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Dick was born in Albany, the beloved son of the late John T. O’Brien, Jr. and Eileen E. Ruth O’Brien. He was a 1961 graduate of Cardinal McCloskey High School, and a 1965 graduate of Siena College, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was employed for 37 years by the State Farm Insurance Company in Massachusetts. He also was Past President of the AOH Division 17 in Blackstone, MA, and Treasurer of the Blackstone Basketball League. He also was a horse player and owner, and traveled to tracks throughout the U.S., Canada, and Ireland.
Dick was predeceased by his wife Madonna, his dear friend Sharon Rockenstyre, and his brother Edward O’Brien. He is survived by his dear friend Barbara Fidanza; his beloved children Erin O’Brien and Richard O’Brien of Tampa, FL; his grandson Michael Cifelli; his brother Timothy O’Brien; his sisters Mary O’Brien Connair (Robin Troeger); Margaret O’Brien; and Maureen O’Brien McMullen (Timothy); his nieces and nephews Susan O’Brien Deeley (Paul), Cynthia O’Brien Kaiser (Joseph), Brendan O’Brien (Kelly Young); and Jaclyn Bailey O’Brien; and his great-nephews, Jack Kaiser and P.J. and Matthew Deeley.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m., and from there to Blessed Sacrament Church, Central Ave., Albany at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Pam Gemme
December 31, 2016 at 8:44 pmErin & Rich and family ~ my sincere condolences to you. Please cherish the memories and remember the good times. Love to you! Pam
MARYANN CHESKY & FAMILY
January 1, 2017 at 12:21 pmWe just heard about Dick in church and send our deepest love & prayers of sympathies to all the O’Brien clan as you journey down this path. May memories bring you some comfort in the difficult days ahead.
They say “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” ― Oscar Wilde… so Dick joining Mom on a Thursday (like her) & on Marv’s day seems right if there’s any right in this. I only hope there are races today & good Irish music for this trio + Ed & pray the 1st one to meet him was Molly! xoxo
Mary Ann Chesky
January 2, 2017 at 1:46 amWe just heard about Dick in church and send our deepest love & prayers of sympathies to all the O’Brien clan as you journey down this path. May memories bring you some comfort in the difficult days ahead.
They say Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness. Oscar Wilde… so Dick joining Mom on a Thursday (like her) & on Marv’s day seems right if there’s any right in this. I only hope there are races today & good Irish music for this trio + Ed & pray the 1st one to meet him was Molly!
Christine McMullen
January 2, 2017 at 11:51 amMy deepest condolences to Dick’s family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Christine
Gregory Maguire and Andy Newman and family
January 2, 2017 at 1:09 pmWe are all devastated to hear of this loss of a member of the fine O’Brien family. I’m sorry that family obligations prevent us from making the trip to New York State to attend the Mass of Resurrection and to honor Dick’s memory and legacy with his family and friends. Know that we would be there if we could possibly manage it. Our prayers and love go out to all.