Obituary of David O'Brien
It was a short simple list and he kept it in his wallet. It was a reminder of the way he wanted to live. It was titled My Priorities and consisted of three little lines:
- JESUS CHRIST, my Lord and Savior.
- My family.
- My new job – which JESUS will provide.
Anyone who knew Dave O’Brien knows he succeeded in living according to his list.
David G. O’Brien, 74, of Rochester, NY, passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Highland Hospital.
Dave was born in Rochester on January 28, 1947, a son of Francis A. and M. Rosemary O’Brien. With a group of four siblings that were at least 5 years older, and a group of four siblings that were at least 5 years younger, he truly was a middle child. He grew up surrounded by love in the family home. Many years later, he returned to live in the family home to care for his aging mother.
Dave graduated from Penfield High School in 1964. He spent a year and a half at R.I.T and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He was a Special Radio Operator during his time in the service. He reached the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1972. The Marine Corps greatly influenced the man he became.
Dave worked in many areas along the East Coast in sales, installation and maintenance of water treatment control systems. He served as a police officer in West Palm Beach, FL, for a number of years, receiving many commendations. When he eventually returned to Rochester, he operated a telecommunications business with his brother, Kevin. Dave has spent the last few years as an instrumentation and controls specialist working as an independent contractor.
Dave enjoyed anything to do with electronics. He was an avid Ham Radio operator (WA2YFL). He loved cookouts with family, campfires, canoeing, soccer, and anything to do with nature. Dave loved all types of music, the louder the better. He loved concerts, festivals, carnivals and zoos and enjoyed sharing them with the kids in his life. He volunteered as a coach for youth sports, and mentored youngsters. Dave was extremely proud of his volunteer service to Camp Good Days and Special Times. It is a charity that was especially close to his heart.
As his Priorities List suggests, Dave was a man devoted to Jesus. He worshipped with the St. Kateri Tekawitha Latin Mass Community. He was devoted to both the Rosary and the Divine Mercy, the focus of which is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one’s own heart towards those in need of it. Dave lived that every day through his actions. He was a loyal friend, a shoulder to lean on, an extra hand, and had a willingness to help anyone in need.
Dave had a special love for children. He excelled in making each of them feel as if they were the most special in his world. He made every experience a fun adventure and was the best playmate a kid could ask for.
Dave’s upbeat personality made him easy to like. He had a quick wit and a penchant for puns. If you met him once, you thought he was a great guy. If you met him twice, he became a friend you could count on. After that, you became family. Family meant everything to Dave.
He had his Priorities right. We will miss his loving smile and sparkling blue eyes. He will be absent from our homes but never from our hearts.
Dave is survived by his brothers, Michael (Jane) O’Brien and Patrick O’Brien; his sisters, Martina O’Brien and Mary Brigid (Kevin) Tanas; many nieces and nephews; and the rest of the Family. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Rosemary O’Brien; brothers, Kenneth, Daniel, and Kevin; and sister, Joan.
Dave’s Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4536 St. Paul Blvd Rochester, NY 14617. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612
Memorial donations may be made to Camp Good Days and Special Times or the local charity of your choice.
