Rita and Patrick O'Brien

Patrick Henry O'Brien and Rita Mae O'Brien passed away in Pace, FL after more than 60 years together. Rita O'Brien, 79, passed away on March 7th, 2022, and Patrick O'Brien, 84, followed her in death just over a year later, on March 27th, 2023. They had both battled separate illnesses for some time but lived full and happy lives.

Rita Mae O'Brien was born on July 3, 1942, to Glennis and Inez Hawley in West Virginia. Her parents and three younger siblings eventually moved from West Virginia to Michigan. Throughout her high school career, she excelled in shorthand, earning multiple awards. She continued her education by attending Secretarial School and eventually entered the management field. Rita and Patrick, better known as O.B., raised their daughter Nancy O'Brien in Michigan until they relocated to South Georgia. From there, Rita and Patrick moved to Pace, FL in 1979 where she would find her calling in life. In 1980, Rita accepted a job with the Navy Housing Office at the NAS Whiting Field Naval Base. She quickly realized that her previous secretarial skills were best used to assist U.S. Navy families. In the management roll with the Housing Office Rita's love for civil service shone brightly. She earned many awards and recognitions, including assisting Governor Jeb Bush with a Naval Housing Bill that was later signed into Federal Law and earned her the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. She retired in 2002. During her retirement she enjoyed working in her flower beds and researching her family's genealogy where she discovered that she qualified for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Patrick Henry O'Brien (O.B.), was born on October 18, 1938, in Michigan to Sarah Margaret Jenkins and Joseph E. O'Brien. He joined the United States Army in 1956, earned his Parachutist wings and began his career as an Army Ranger. During Patrick's 34-year career with the U.S. Army, he served at multiple bases and held many titles including Team Leader in Kentucky, Mountaineering Instructor in Georgia, Staff Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant of an LRRP platoon stationed in Vietnam. In 1967 he transferred to Florida Ranger Camp as an instructor teaching long range patrol tactics and rappelling. He also earned his Jump Master Wings here. O.B. then joined the Special Forces Reserve until 1975. A few years later he relocated with his family to South Georgia and eventually Pace, FL. There he reenlisted for another nine years. Patrick earned many awards during his time serving our country including Ranger Tab, National Defense Service Metal, Parachutist Badge, 3 Overseas Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1 Cross of Gallantry, Bronze Star Medal, among many more. After leaving active service he held civilian jobs such as carpentry and vinyl siding work.

As a couple, Patrick and Rita were very family oriented. They both loved their country and its history. They spent time with their daughter and grandkids at Navarre Beach and the Zoo. Patrick and Rita both had very strong personalities and helped others whenever they had the opportunity. Their sense of humor will always be remembered by those that knew them and memories they created will never fade.

They are survived by their daughter Nancy O'Brien; grandchildren Abbey Hutto (Caishon), Chris Conoly (Peggy) and Erin Libersat; great-grandchildren Anthony Hutto (Winter), Justin Hutto, Landin Hutto, Cadin Christopher Hutto, Sylas Libersat, Christopher Jackson Conoly, Jr. and Alden John Conoly, as well as one great-great-grandson, Noah Hutto. Rita's brother Gary Hawley (Margaret) and sister Paulette Hawley as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Patrick and Rita are predeceased in death by their parents, Glennis and Inez Hawley, Sarah (Henry 'Hank') Jenkins, and Joseph O'Brien. Rita's brother, Glennis Ray 'G.R.' Hawley, Jr., Patrick's daughter, Stasi O'Brien and great-granddaughters Emma Grace and Peggy Mae Conoly.

Internment Services will take place on Friday April 21st at 12 pm at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Foundation, Tunnels to Towers, Boys Town, or your local VFW.