1949 - 2018
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
MILFORD – Richard Perry O’Brien, Jr., 69, a lifelong area resident, passed away unexpectedly Sunday night, September 23, 2018.
He was born July 28, 1949, in Cooperstown, a son of the late Richard P. (“Dixie”) O’Brien, Sr. and Helen Gorney. He was raised on the family farm on Panther Mountain in Fly Creek Valley by an aunt and uncle, Joseph and Ruth Peplinski, whom he considered parents. He attended Cooperstown schools and graduated with the Class of 1967.
On October 3, 1968, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country at the Alameda Naval Air Station in California. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1969, Richard returned home and helped run the family farm.
On February 19, 1977, Richard married Deborah Lourdes Tilbe in a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church in Clayville. After they were married and began raising a family, he worked as a logger and shingle mill operator, and at one point he enrolled in the criminal justice program at Herkimer County Community College and worked nights at Remington Arms in Ilion. Following Debbie’s death at the age of 38 due to cancer, Richard continued to raise their four children and worked as an oil truck driver for W.L. Taylor & Son, Inc. and Bruce Hall Corp. in Cooperstown.
In his leisure, Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping and was currently a licensed Commercial Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator.
Richard eventually met Marcelle Joussé and the two were married in Schuyler Lake on July 13, 1991. She was the love of his life and she will miss him more than words can ever express.
In addition to his beloved wife, Marcy, Richard is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren, who called him Pop Pop: Robert Joseph O’Brien and wife, Beth, and their children Abigail, Hannah, triplets Hunter, Noah, and Lucas and Robert Jr.; Patrick Daniel O’Brien of Hartwick; Meagen Beth O’Brien of Brooklyn; and Katie O’Brien Cannistra and husband, Steven, and daughter Isabella of New Hartford; and step daughters Marcelle Denninger of South Jersey and her daughter, Makayla Love Denninger, and Dawn Malin and husband, Matthew of Brooklyn. He is further survived by a brother, John K. Cankar; two sisters, Carol L. Boulay and Joanne K. Tarbox; three step sisters, Judy Brown, Janet (Robert) Adam and Irene Young; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased by his first wife, Deborah L. O’Brien who died November 7, 1989; his father, Richard P. “Dixie” O’Brien, Sr. who died September 29, 1990; and his mother, Helen M. Cankar who died April 29, 2003.
Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2018.
Immediately following the visitation there will be a celebration of Richard’s life at his home at 1202 County Highway 45, Milford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
