Coley O'Brien

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Coleman ("Coley") Carroll O'Brien, 78, of Naples, FL. Coley left this world peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Naples surrounded by his family.
Born on May 6, 1947, to Captain James Michael O'Brien and Muriel Devine O'Brien, Coley spent his youth as many military kids do - moving frequently and to all corners of the country. It is likely during these formative years that he developed his resilience, steadfast positivity, and ability to befriend anyone and everyone.
In the early 1960s, the O'Briens landed in Washington, DC, and Coley enrolled in St. Johns College High School, where he spent most of his high school years. Always a gifted athlete and student, Coley played multiple sports at St. Johns, and he was recruited by colleges across the country to play football. His heart was set on following in his father's footsteps to attend the Naval Academy, play football and become a pilot. He was on track to join the Midshipmen when he failed an eye exam and was told he would never be a naval pilot. Unwavering in the face of adversity, he began to explore other opportunities beyond the Naval Academy. It was a chance meeting with the University of Notre Dame football coach Ara Parsegian at an awards dinner in Washington, DC that led him on a path to accepting a scholarship offer to play football at Notre Dame.
In the fall of 1965, Coley set out to South Bend and joined the Fighting Irish as a quarterback during a legendary time in the program's history. The following year, he faced another setback when he was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. At the time, he thought his football career might be over – how would he manage his blood sugar amidst the intense demands of college football? Unsurprisingly, he rose to the occasion and ended up playing a pivotal role in the historic 10-10 tie between the Irish and Michigan State on November 19, 1966 – later dubbed the "Game of the Century". Coley went on to lead the Irish to a National Championship that year, cementing his place in Notre Dame football lore.
Coley continued to play football throughout his time at Notre Dame, seamlessly reinventing his role and always putting the team first. As his undergraduate years came to an end, he entertained offers to play football professionally, but instead he chose to attend Notre Dame Law School. After graduating in 1972, he launched into a decades-long career in politics and policy in Washington, DC working on and off Capitol Hill where he remained until his retirement in 2013. Along the way, he met his beloved wife, Barbara ("Barb") O'Brien and they married on December 4, 1982. The two were inseparable and would continue to be throughout their 42 years of marriage. Together, they happily raised three children – Christin, Conor, and Cara – in Falls Church, Virginia. During those years, Coley could never quite tear himself away from athletics, always maintaining an active lifestyle, coaching his kids in sports, and never missing the opportunity to watch a Notre Dame football game on a Saturday in the fall. Coley's Catholic faith also continued to deepen over these years as he became a Eucharistic minister and an active member of St. James Catholic Church.
Always drawn to sunshine and warm climates, Coley and Barb began spending their winter months in Naples, Florida in 2017, and eventually became full-time residents in 2020. While they enjoyed frequent trips to Northern Virginia and Michigan to visit family, it was in Florida where Coley lived out his remaining years; becoming a loving grandfather to six beautiful grandchildren; surrounding himself with a rich network of family and friends; maintaining a flourishing golf game; enjoying long bike rides with his wife; and all along the way never losing his positive outlook, zest for life, and deep abiding faith in God.
Coley always spoke of his love for Florida, referencing its "endless summer." Like summer, he brought warmth and light to all who knew him. He is now in a better place with loved ones who have gone before him, catching up and undoubtedly enjoying an ethereally endless summer.
Coley is survived by his wife, Barb O'Brien; his children, Christin Nohner, Conor O'Brien, and Cara Leighty; and his grandchildren, Samuel Nohner, Brady O'Brien, Brooke Nohner, Peyton Leighty, Reid O'Brien, and Paige Leighty.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046.
Charitable Donation: In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donating to Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You can donate in honor of Coley, here: