Joseph Richard O'Brien

Joseph Richard O’Brien, 88, a man of deep faith, kindness, and quiet strength passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, in Sarasota, FL. 

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joe was second of four children born to Richard and Kathleen O’Brien.  In his early teens Joe moved with his family to Oyster Bay, Long Island, where he graduated from St. Dominic High School and pumped gas in his father’s filling station in his spare time.  After earning a degree in Business Administration from Providence College, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Jane Wanser.  They were blessed with a daughter, Susan, and had almost 60 years together.  Joe served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. 

Joe’s career was with Empire Blue Cross & Blue Shield based in Manhattan, where he managed corporate accounts in the NY area.  He loved working in the city and embraced its vibrant energy.  A dedicated runner, he organized a company running club that still competes in Corporate Challenge races.  He realized his own personal goal to complete the New York City marathon in 1981. 

After taking early retirement to care for family, Joe, Jane, and Susan moved to Shelter Island, NY, where his commitment to service deepened.  He volunteered for over a decade in the Pharmacy Department at Eastern Long Island Hospital and founded its Junior Volunteer Program.  He chaired the hospital’s annual geranium sale and served on the Shelter Island Planning Board and Insurance Advisory Board.  A devoted member of Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church, he served as usher.  Joe was also active in the Shelter Island Lions Club, where he served as president and was honored as Citizen of the Year.  

In 2011, the O’Briens moved to Venice, FL where he joined the Venice Lions Club and was soon tapped to serve as their president.  He worked part-time at a local department store quickly becoming a favorite among customers and coworkers alike.   

After Jane’s passing in 2019, Joe found love again with longtime friend, Lynn Thierry.  They married on August 8, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, sharing their wedding via Zoom.  Joe and Lynn remained in Venice, moving to Sarasota in 2024. 

His many friends remember Joe for his kindness to others, his enthusiasm for living life to its fullest, and his subtle sense of humor.  His generous spirit and commitment to community left a lasting impact. 

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Kathleen Obrien, and his sister, Patricia (Chuck) Cagle.  He is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter, Susan, sisters Eileen (Robert) White and Carol (Norman) Stoddard, many nieces and nephews, and Lynn’s children Paul (Linda) Thierry, David (Pam) Thierry, Cynthia Thierry, John Thierry, and Valerie (Steven) Strenk. 

A funeral mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on August 14, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1301 Center Rd., Venice, FL.  Inurnment will follow in the church’s Memorial Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Fund for Providence College, online at givetopc.org or by check made payable to Providence College and mailed to Providence College, Attn: Andrea Krupp, One Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence or to share a memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.