Obituary of Richard Patrick O'Brien
Richard Patrick O’Brien, 55, of Toms River passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania. He was born in Staten Island and raised in Blauvelt, NY. Richard then resided to Howell for 28 years after he married his wife, and finally settled to Toms River 2 years ago. He worked as a New Jersey Turnpike data technician for 34 years. Richard enjoyed spending time at the beach, going on walks, and taking yearly trips to Ireland with his father. He was a true handy man, known by most as “Fix it Rich”. Richard was an avid fan of sports, but especially loved to watch his kids play. He was a hard worker, truly selfless, and was always there for everybody. Above all, Richard was a devoted family man who was passionate about spending quality time with his children and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, John O’Brien in 2011 and Eileen O’Brien in 2012. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Julie O’Brien of Toms River; children, Casey O’Brien, Shannon O’Brien, and Jessica O’Brien all of Toms River, NJ; siblings, Denis O’Brien and his wife, Lori of Mystic, CT, Jean Alfonso of Old Tappan, NJ, Loretta Kane and her husband, Michael of Tappan, NY, John O’Brien and his wife, Liza of Pleasantville, NY, and Thomas O’Brien and Michele of Jersey City, NJ.
A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 9:30 AM Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Church of St. Veronica, 4215 U.S. 9, Howell Township. For those that cannot attend, the family invites you to participate via Webcast through the Funeral Home Website HERE. For the safety of the public and our staff, we are asking everyone to help us adhere to the CDC guidelines. Facemasks will be required. Interment will be private. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com
