Robert Francis O'Brien

Robert (Bobby, OB) Francis O’Brien was born, on Feb 5, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was an early arrival to parents Frank M. and Dorothy O’Brien. Robert passed away on March 16, 2022, after falling ill and battling health issues for several months.

He attended elementary school in Dover, Massachusetts, and enjoyed many family gatherings and clambakes at Duxbury, or Scituate, Mass, at the beach. He had his first job at McGill’s Chicken Farm, plucking feathers from chickens!

In his teen years, the family moved to Stamford, Conn. where he attended Stamford Catholic High School. The school uniform required a jacket and tie; that’s probably why he preferred to be casual. He was though, always available to help with a Windsor knot! It was reported that he wrapped his school tie around the steering wheel of his mother’s new 1965 candy apple red mustang convertible as he drove it to impress friends! He held a memorable summer job at the Coca Cola pavilion, during the 1964 - New York World’s Fair. Shortly thereafter, his parents moved to Atlanta, and he would leave to attend Miami Dade Community College, it was there he would meet his future wife. After some memorable years at MDCC, he returned to Atlanta and attended Oglethorpe University. His college recipe for ‘slop’ and his chicken tenders with mayo and mustard dipping sauce is still enjoyed today. After a long-distance relationship, he returned to Miami and married Joyce. Shortly thereafter they returned to Atlanta, where son Cory was born. They remained in Atlanta for a few years before deciding to move back to Miami and make South Florida home. Robert was put in charge of the landscaping division of Russell Inc. The next year son Colby arrived.

In 1980. He ventured into business with a plant nursery and commercial landscaping company, O’Brien Landscaping. Throughout his years in business, he completed many large commercial landscaping projects from Palm Beach to Key West, FL.

In life, he was determined and undeterred by life’s obstacles. He kept thoughts to himself, but when provoked he would express himself with colorful expletives. He was committed to family, forgiving, selfless, and demonstrated unconditional love. He was professional, dependable, hardworking, trustworthy, and a man of his word.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Joyce Russell O’Brien, his son, Cory Patrick O’Brien, grandson Devin Quinn O’Brien, and son Colby Robert O’Brien. His sister Patricia “Tricia” O’Brien, and daughter Bridget Jeffs, brother William “Bill” O’Brien, wife Ellen, and their children Aidan and Brooke, Sister-in-law Linda Lucia O’Brien, and sons Kiernan and Casey O’Brien, niece Heather Marriot, husband Noah Wells, and son Henry Marriot Wells.

Robert was proceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy O’Brien, sister Barbara O’Brien Marriot, brothers Richard “Ricky” O’Brien, and Kevin O’Brien.

Robert will be missed.

“Life has not ended; it has merely changed.”

~John 3:16~

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS TO THE FUNERAL HOME AS THERE ARE NO SERVICES AT OUR FACILITY

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Cancer Society.

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