Frank E. O'Brien

Frank Edward O'Brien Jr, dearly beloved husband, father, grand-father, brother, uncle and friend to all, died peacefully at home on May 25, 2010 at the age of 74 surrounded by his wife and five daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank E. O'Brien Sr, and Eleanor Ovies, and sister, Mary H. O'Brien, and his only son, Frank E. O'Brien III. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Beth Casey O'Brien of Troy, NY and 5 daughters: Constance A. O'Brien (Dr. Andrew D. Penman), Birmingham, AL; Maureen O'Brien Donovan, Albany, NY; Kathleen M. Tobin (Duffy), Ridgefield, CT; Cara E. Whalen (Mark), Voorheesville, NY; Patricia A. Klaus (Dan), Saratoga Springs, NY. He is survived by 13 grandchildren: Shane, Francoise and Lila O'Brien; Gabriel Donovan; Connor, Maeve, Declan and Sinead Tobin; Celia and Maxen Whalen; Aileen, Frank and Finola Klaus. He is also survived by sisters Sheila O'Brien Roesch, Goshen, NY and Patricia M. O'Brien Hoey (Edward), Syracuse, NY. Frank was born on March 20, 1936 at the former Brady Maternity Hospital and lived his entire life in Albany. Frank believed the combination of his father's Irish blood and his mother's Spanish blood was the primary reason for his eloquence and good looks. He graduated from The Albany Academy for Boys in 1953 and attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1957 - "the class the stars fell on" - with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Artillery and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of his training at Officer Candidate School, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Dix, New Jersey. After his honorable discharge, he became an employee of the Raymond Foundation Company as an engineer in Detroit, Michigan assigned to the Ford Motor Plant, and later worked for the A.L. Dougherty Company in East Chicago, Indiana as a project engineer for construction of sections of Interstate 65 in southern Indiana. Frank returned to Albany in 1960 and was employed by his father Frank E. O'Brien, Sr at Fuller and O'Brien Insurance Agency (founded by his father in 1923). Following his father's death, he became President and Treasurer until his retirement in 2005. He went on to hold a consultant position with the firm which was then owned by his son Frank E. O'Brien III and Thomas R. Tyrrell. He served as the President of the Contractors, Agents and Brokers Association of New York State, directing the lobbying and public policy efforts of this trade group. Behind many positions and policies of the surety industry, Frank's fingerprints can be found. He was recognized as a giant in his field and a living legend. He was notably skilled in understanding the art of politics and was a tireless worker, whose word was his bond. He was dedicated to his customers and the industry, and considered his employees his family. He was Chairman of the Board of Maria College, former trustee of St. Peter's Hospital, former trustee of The College of St. Rose, former trustee of St. Bonaventure College, former trustee of the Albany Country Club, and former trustee of the Fort Orange Club. Frank held a number of different positions in the Notre Dame Club of Northeastern New York and was named “Man of the Year” in 1983. He also served on the Board of Governors of The Sons of St. Patrick and was President in 1986. At the Sons of St. Patrick dinner in 2004, Frank reflected on his life in Albany: "I am proud to have been born here.....to have lived here.....and to know that someday I'll be buried here." He was also invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre in 1969. He died as he lived, knowing always that there was a Divine plan, and he was completely secure in the knowledge and deep belief that his God may certainly test him, but never fail him. Frank was quiet in the manner in which he helped others, never seeking recognition or praise. He was most faithful to the fundamental commandment… to love one another. His sense of humor and hospitality was known far and wide. The most coveted seat at the table was always next to Frank and the back door to his home was always open. He had a knack for telling stories and for making others just feel plain good. Those gifts were only exceeded by his charity, his quick wit, generous spirit, and love of family, friends and good times. He was a strong and wise man - truly one of a kind. He loved the game of golf and competed in 25 consecutive member guest tournaments at the Albany and Troy Country Clubs, where the laughs were always longer than the drives. He enjoyed swimming, fishing, and walking the beach. Frank was a first class traveler who loved to follow an "itinerary” and was known for organizing many trips and planning great parties. He paid attention to every detail, down to the "envelopes" used for tipping and excelled at making reservations and securing tickets - the concierge was his true friend. Frank's enthusiasm for and devotion to Notre Dame was immeasurable. He served on the Engineering Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame since 1983, and served as Vice-Chairman of the Council from 1992-1993, and Chairman from 1993-1994. He was dedicated to the mission and success of the school, its students, and its athletic programs. One of his proudest achievements was that all six of his children graduated from the University. His counsel on all matters that mattered will be sorely missed, not just by his family, but by his many friends and associates. Nearing the end of his time here on earth, he relayed to many: "I had a good run." The O'Brien family would like to thank Dr. Todd Doyle, his nursing associate Jacqui Gibbons, the staff at New York Oncology Hematology PC; Kathy Lavigne and the Community Hospice of Albany County; Dr. John Dipreta of Capital Region Orthopaedics; Dr. Sarah Elmendorf; Dr. Mary Ellen Drislane; Sr. Kay Graber, RSM, the nurses and staff of 6th Floor McCauley and the Emergency Department of St. Peter's Hospital. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, June 6th, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St. Catherine of Siena Church), 40 Hopewell Street, Albany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 am at Historic St. Mary's Church on Capitol Hill, Albany, NY on Monday, June 7, 2010. To leave the family a special message on their guest book; obtain a prayer card or directions; or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Frank E. O’Brien Jr in a special way may send a contribution to one of the following: the University of Notre Dame, Director of Donor Services, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556 or to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, 40 North Main, Albany, NY 12203.

Tributes

Frank E. O'Brien

March 20, 1936 - May 25, 2010