Obituary of Edward L O’Brien, Jr.

Edward L O’Brien, Jr., a cherished and remarkable man who
touched the lives of all who met him, was called home by the Lord on
October 31, 2024. Originally from Rhode Island, he lived with his wife,
Jane Asprinio O’Brien, in Aventura, FL for 30+ years. He was a long-time
communicant of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

An avid New England Patriot, Boston Red Sox, UM Hurricane,
horse racing and Nascar fan, Ed was able to share his passion with
others by attending in-person, at home or via phone calls. In recent years
Ed could be found sharing a Guinness with friends at the South Florida
Packer’s FanClub, where he was an honorary member.

Captain Obie found his inner peace sailing, boating and fishing.
“Tiffany cabana 33” provided relaxation with the ocean breeze, sailboats
to watch and a calm atmosphere to chat with family and friends. As
journeys outside the home became more difficult, visits from Ed’s
Lauderdale by the Sea, Wilton Manors and Indiana chosen family always
meant an enjoyable time and were the “best medicine” of the day with
Jenga, dominos and sport watching high on the list.

The son of the late Edward and Eleanor O’Brien, he was raised in
Pawtucket, Rhode Island where he graduated from Tolman High School
and Rhode Island College. Ed taught elementary school and served as a
500-ton US Coast Guard Auxiliary Captain until he found his love of
politics and transitioned to life as a lobbyist. Daily phone calls from RI
buddies kept Ed in the loop of what was happening.

Ed served as a board member of HEAR Hearing Education and
Resources Inc, a nonprofit organization that he and his wife founded to
promote communication assistance for deaf and hard of hearing
individuals around the world.

In addition to his wife Jane, Ed is survived by his nieces Heather
O’Brien Dungan (Scott), Shannon McCormick (Mike) and Elizabeth
Asprinio; and his nephews Patrick O’Brien (Tammy), Edward Tobin,
Michael, Eric and Freddy Asprinio; great nieces Zoey O’Brien and Rose
Mich; great nephews Zachary O’Brien, Edward and Joshua Dubrel; his
brother in laws David, Mark and Steven Asprinio; his sister in laws: Karen
Tobin, Kim Flood Asprinio, Jeannine Asprinio.

Ed is also survived by his Lauderdale by the Sea, Wilton Manors,
Indiana, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Bahamas chosen family.

He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Bailey and his father-in-
law and mother-in-law Dr. Edward and Anna Asprinio.

Ed would not have been able to enjoy the quality of life that he had
if it were not for the expertise, compassion and commitment of his long-
term medical team of Dr. George Munoz, Dr. Reginald Pereira, Dr. Barth
Green, Dr. Rolando Mendizabal, Dr. Alex Velasquez, Dr. David Lang and
Dr. David Asprinio. Additionally, sincere gratefulness to Dr. Kymberlee
Manni and her entire direct care and non-direct care staff of University of
Miami Hospital for their care and support throughout the years.

Family and friends (children included) are invited to:
Funeral Mass Saturday November 16, 2024 at 11am at Nativity
Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021; followed by
reception at Islamorada Fish Company, 220 Gulf Stream Way, Dania
Beach, FL 33004.

Funeral Mass Saturday November 23, 2024 at 10am at St Gregory
the Great Catholic Church, 360 Cowesett Rd, Warwick, RI 02886;
followed by reception at Greenwood Inn, 1350 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick,
RI 02886.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to HEAR
Hearing Education and Resources Inc, PO Box 80-0051, Aventura, FL
33280.

–
Zelle obrienaudiology@aol.com
Paypal paypal.me/HEARinc