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Lawrence E O'Brien
Lawrence E O'Brien
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Lawrence O'Brien Obituary
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Feb 5, 1943 – Aug 20, 2024
Middletown, New York – Larry O'Brien, age 81, of Scotchtown NY, passed away on August 20, 2024 from cancer. Larry was born on Feb 5, 1943 in Gary, IN to Edward and Carmen O'Brien. Graduated from University of Dayton with a BS in geology and graduated from the University of Michigan with a MS in geology. Larry was a geology professor at the State University of New York - Orange for 43 years. He was awarded teacher of the year twice during his tenure. The geology "rock room" at SUNY-Orange was dedicated to this honor at his retirement in 2016, in which he donated his vast rock collection from his travels through out the 50 states.
Larry's Catholic faith was important to him. He served as a leader of song and was in the choir in his parish for many years.
Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years Susie O'Brien, along with his three children Edward "Ted", Michael and James and seven grandchildren Connor, Evan, Braedon, Mason, McKenna William and Beatrix.
A funeral service and Mass will be held on Friday August 23rd at 11:00am EST at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940.
Lawrence O'Brien will be remembered as a loving father, dedicated husband, and teacher."Old Geologists never die, they just fossilize."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Michael Gobeo
December 25, 2024
Just became aware of Larry's passing. He was a great teacher. In his class in 1985. He introduced me to various insights to geology. He sang with my mom in the choir. A true gentleman. RIP. Mike Gobeo
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Timothy Zeszutek
September 9, 2024
I took my science requirement course as part of my SUNY Orange Degree with Professor O'Brien. I had a class with him on the day of the Coldenham Wall collapse in Montgomery. That day is etched in my mind forever... Later I became an instructor at SUNY Orange and served with Larry as I was beginning my career in academia and Larry was retiring. I enjoyed seeing Larry's smile at St. Joe's at mass and at the Thrall Library Bookstore. I will miss that... Thank you Professor O'Brien for always greeting us with a smile. You gave us hope and inspiration. Thank you for all you gave to us. Tim Z (SUNY Orange Class of 1991).
Maribeth Ransel
August 22, 2024
Dear Susie: We were devastated to learn of Larry's death. He is a big part of my Scecina memory bank. We were in a lot of classes together, and we shared many mutual, close friends. Larry always had a huge smile for everyone, and he was a true gentleman. Though we didn't get to see him often over the years, he was thought of many times over. We usually had a time to chat on your trips through Indiana on rock finding expeditions. I know that the present is likely full of sorrow, but I pray that you and your children will soon find that sadness will be pushed aside by warm and loving memories of your nearly six decades as a family. One thing I did not know about this talented guy was that he was a singer. Wish I could have talked to him about that. Now Larry can sing with the angels. Much love, Maribeth Taylor Ransel
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130 Highland Ave, Middletown, NY 10940
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