Richard Firman O'Brien

O’Brien, Richard Firman, 76, of Brooksville, FL, took a timeless vacation to Paradise to be with his first friend, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 16, 2019.  He passed away in the arms of Beverly, his beloved wife of 55 years.

He was born July 7, 1943 in Middletown, CT, and came to Brooksville 7 years ago from Old Saybrook, CT.

Richard spent his entire life in service to others by serving his country in the U.S. Navy, his community as a Policeman; as Patrolman, then Detective Sergeant. He was a member of the local Policeman’s Brotherhood Association and spent many years as a volunteer coach for Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation.  In Florida he belonged to the Cloverleaf Veteran’s Association, enjoyed going to the casino, playing golf and cards with his buddies in the Cloverleaf Community.  He was constantly putting others first.  Everyone he met fell in love with him.  When you met him, it took all of five minutes to be considered a friend, and he made sure you knew it.  In high school, Rich was voted Best Looking, Most Popular, Friendliest and Athlete of the Year, and anyone who knew him bragged about his athleticism.  From baseball to soccer, golf and basketball, Rich excelled at everything he did, and passed his love of sports on to his children, as evidenced by their love for the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants. 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, John and Isabelle (Spencer) O’Brien; brothers, George O’Brien and John J. O’Brien Jr.; sisters, Nancy Falivene, Helen Gilbert and Ann Coulter.  In addition to his wife Beverly (Perkins) O’Brien, he is survived by his children, Kim Statkiewicz and her husband Stephen of Brooksville, FL, Richard F. O’Brien Jr. and his wife Leah of Pittsburgh, PA, Kevin O’Brien and his wife Darci of Ansonia, CT;  brother, Thomas O’Brien and his fiancé Paula of Old Lyme, CT; sisters, Patricia Crozier of Old Saybrook and Dorothy Dahlberg of Sebastian, FL.   He also leaves seven grandchildren, Kelly Butler and her husband Glenn of Gardner, MA, Megan and Michaela Burke of Norwich, CT, Richard F. O’Brien III and Thomas O’Brien of Pittsburgh, PA, Molly and Jack O’Brien of Ansonia, CT; as well as his step-granddaughter, Sheavoynne Wilson and her husband Anthony and their four children, Nylis, Addi, Milo and Theo of Fitchburg, MA.  Richard also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved, including three that went on before him, Daniel O’Brien, Matthew D’Orio and Donald Crozier.

Out of all of Richard’s joys while on this earth, nothing compared to Papa’s bond with his grandchildren.  Nothing made him more proud.

A Funeral Mass for Richard will be celebrated at 10:00am, Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Saint John Roman Catholic Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the

Richard F. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 509,Ansonia, CT 06401.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com