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Clark O'Brien Obituary
October 25, 1954 - December 1, 2023
The Villages, Florida - Clark Edward O'Brien, 69, passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2023, after suffering a cardiac event while walking his beloved dog, Ranger at his home in The Villages, Florida. He was born on October 25, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was cherished by his family and friends. Clark was known for his compassion, caring nature, and genuine love for his family. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Clark graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas and continued on to University of Kansas where he graduated with a BS in Microbiology and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. While attending KU, he worked at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Burnett Burn Center which further cemented his early childhood dream of a medical career. Clark obtained his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed residencies in both Internal Medicine and Anesthesiology. Clark's dedication to his profession resulted in nearly 40 years of compassionate care culminating in his becoming the Chief of Anesthesiology at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. Clark also practiced at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. He served as Treasurer and later President of the Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists.
Clark embraced life's simple joys and looked forward to the many family trips and gatherings throughout the years. His passion for dogs knew no bounds and he loved his many Golden Retrievers throughout his life. An avid traveler, he eagerly explored the world, immersing himself in different cultures. For many years, he volunteered as a visiting physician in Haiti and performed hundreds of surgical procedures. Clark and his colleagues sponsored a Haitian nurse anesthetist student who remained a close friend.
He is survived by his spouse, Matt Koch, with whom he shared adventures for nearly 45 years; his mother, Harolyn O'Brien; his siblings, Cindy O'Brien Hostetter (Jim); his brothers Bill O'Brien (Kim) and John O'Brien (Patty). Clark also leaves behind adored nieces and nephews including Brad (Heather), Saralyn (Erik), Tom (Lexi), Chris (Ashley), Samantha, Howard, and Clair; his aunts, Ann Spier (David), and Suzy Minter. Clark is pre-deceased by his father, Bill "Poppo" O'Brien, and his uncles, Bob, and Crawford.
May his memory continue to inspire kindness, compassion, and love within us all.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clark O'Brien
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Vi Leffel
October 2, 2025
I think about you lots. Your birthday is coming up. Happy heavenly birthday. The villages isn’t the same without you, nor is the family. You always brought just a little something extra and that made such an atmosphere. Love you Uncle Buck, I hope you are doing well wherever you are.
Maggie Levasseur
November 29, 2024
This picture of Clark in Haiti comes up every time I open my collection of photos. It is a pang to think he's gone but it warms my heart with gratitude to have been able to know him a little.
Ron Burt, MD
April 13, 2024
Matt,
I just learned of Clark's passing and am so saddened to hear it. He was an important person in my life in so many ways over so many years. I admired his skills as a clinician and as a leader in the professional life we shared, but especially in watching him transcend adversity to become an invaluable source of help and inspiration to many others in the broader, more personal domains of life.
We will miss him very much, but we also know he is truly Home now and in the company of a multitude of Golden Retrievers all gathered around him, sharing their love for him.....
Maggie Levasseur
December 23, 2023
Matt, I travelled with Clark to Haiti several times. He was so kind, so patient, so giving...it was an honor to be on the same team with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Vi Leffel
December 13, 2023
He was my great uncle alongside Will, my brother. He was an amazing man with an extraordinary heart. I will miss him dearly.
Lupita
December 12, 2023
My condolences to the family and Matt. Love Lupita ( Mr macculogh aid)
Will Leffel
December 10, 2023
Clark was my Great Uncle, and Uncle to my father, Brad. He was a wonderful man and I will miss him dearly, our last family get-together was to celebrate Harolyn´s (Mombo) 95th birthday, and it was one of the greatest weeks of my life. I will never forget you, Uncle Buck, you know all of us love you so very much. R.I.P
Jane Poirier
December 10, 2023
I had the privilege of working with Clark at Mary Medical Center. He was so kind, both to his coworkers and patients. Clark was such a great guy and will be missed by many.
My condolences to Matt and his family
Jane Poirier
Ewelina Klos
December 10, 2023
This is heartbreaking. I loved working with Dr. O´Brien at Mercy Medical Center. He was an outstanding doc and we all loved having him as part of our Mercy Family. He was truly an amazing and carrying human.
My condolences go out to all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Noreen Talbot
December 10, 2023
Dear Matt and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Clark's passing. He was a wonderful caring individual with a big heart. May he be welcomed on the other side with loving arms, and may you find comfort from family and friends
Candace Goodwin
December 10, 2023
Matt, I am sending all my love to you and holding space in my heart for you and Clark´s family. I have never known a man as loving and giving as he and I am so grateful for the opportunities he afforded me, the professionalism and advice he bestowed upon me and our joint venture to change one man´s life in Haiti forever. Clark lived by "Do unto others..." and I am so honored to have been one of his friends and colleagues.
Kimberly Forgotch
December 9, 2023
I spent many years working with Dr. O´Brien at Mercy Medical Center. My deepest condolence's to his loved ones.
Kathleen Breault
December 9, 2023
I had the privilege of working with Dr. O´Brien at Mercy Medical Center. As a PACU nurse, I knew if I needed his help with a patient he was always quick to respond and offer assistance. He treated his patients, their families and colleagues with the utmost kindness and respect. He will truly be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ann foley
December 8, 2023
Splendid man , superb anesthesiologist and kind friend
I am heartbroken
It was a privilege and joy to work for and with
Simply, the best
Ann Foley
Bev Cappello
December 8, 2023
As a nurse anesthetist it was my great pleasure to work with Clark at St. Francis Hospital
He always had a warm smile , always friendly and was a great mentor.
A life gone too young.
My deepest condolences to his family and Matt.
Bev Cappello
Sharmayne Wesler
December 7, 2023
Our thoughts go out to Matt and the entire O'Brien family. Clark was a wonderful person. Heaven has a special Angel. He will be missed.
Sharmayne & Steve Wesler
Patti Stamm
December 7, 2023
I was blessed to work with Clark at Mercy Medical Center.
Not only was he, a colleague that I admired, he became a very good friend. I will always carry his smile in my heart. He will be missed. Sending my love and hugs to Matt.
Nancy Gozzi
December 6, 2023
I was fortunate enough to work with Clark at Mercy Medical Center! He was an exceptional Dr and an even better human being!! So very sorry for your loss, he will be missed!
lillian Castro
December 6, 2023
I was very fortunate to work with Dr. O'Brien for many years at St. Francis Hospital. I am saddened by the news. I will remember him for being a great guy and always kind hearted. You will be missed my friend. Rest in Peace .
Cathy Bryant
December 5, 2023
Worked with Clark at St.Francis Hospital many years ago. He was one of the most brilliant physicians I had ever worked with in my 43 year nursing career. He was always pleasant and kind to staff and patients alike. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Eliza Speakman
December 5, 2023
Loved working with Dr O´Brien at SFH in the Cardiac OR. He was an outstanding provider and will be missed by all. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
Gail Burk
December 5, 2023
Clark was a compassionate and caring man and a very skilled anesthesiologist. Working with him was to know your patient was in skilled hands. May he rest in peace.
Leslie And Greg Cheron
December 5, 2023
Loved this man. Our hearts are broken over both his passing and for Matt´s unfathomable loss. Our deepest condolences to both families...
Cher irizarry
December 5, 2023
Working with Clark as a nurse anesthetist was nothing but great. He was an excellent anesthesiologist who demonstrated wisdom kindness and compassion for his patients. I always felt safe with Clark as my supervisor and coworker. He was kind to the Crnas and always made you feel comfortable working with difficult patients. A true Ace and great leader. May the Lord welcome him now.
Regina Cram
December 5, 2023
Many years ago as a young mom I suffered a devastating illness. A team of doctors was assembled but it was Dr. O'Brien who was widely credited with saving my life. I wrote him a note telling him that saving a life is a precious thing and I did not take it for granted just because it was supposed to be his job. I so wanted to meet him to say thank you in person. To this day, my family owes him a debt of gratitude.
Diane (Witt) Cunningham
December 5, 2023
Matt & Clarke's family, I am so sorry about your loss of Clark, my heart sank when I recieved the news. I was a young nurse at St. Luke's when Clark was a resident so I new him well. My sister Cheryl & I ran around a lot with Clarke & Matt-evenings out, canoe trips. I have fond memories of a fun, energetic, thoughtful gentleman. Will there be services? Matt I would call if I had a number. When things settle, please reach out. Im still in KC.
Ellen Lamoureux Bussman
December 5, 2023
So sad to hear about Clark. He was such a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him at SFH. Rest in peace.
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