Richard J. “Dick” O’Brien

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.