Matthew John O'Brien

Matthew John O'Brien, age 63, passed away on July 23, 2025. He was born July 30, 1961, in Florida, to Thomas James O'Brien and Elizabeth Kenny O'Brien.

Matthew was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anita O'Brien, his sons, Justin O'Brien (Meghan), and Jordan O'Brien (Kelsey), his mother, Elizabeth O'Brien, and his brothers, Mark, Luke and their families. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mary Campbell James (6), Beaufort Graham (4), and Brooks Matthew (4).

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas James O'Brien.

His love for Jesus defined how he lived life. It also defined how he and Anita raised their boys, who in turn are teaching their children to love Jesus just like Matt did. Matt served as a deacon at his church and enjoyed going on mission trips to Honduras. He treated everyone around him, family and strangers, with love and compassion. From scripture readings at family gatherings to his men's Bible Study, he found ways to share God's Word with others. He and Anita were always welcoming people into their home to share a meal and fellowship. If you stopped by their house, chances are he'd make you some jambalaya or chicken wings. If you got really lucky, Matt would make you his special saltine cracker with dill pickle appetizer.

Matthew found immense pleasure in all things outdoors. He found even more joy in those adventures when sharing them with Justin and Jordan, and often their friends. From times at the hunting club to jumping off the tallest of trees at the Weeki Wachee and more recently, hanging out on the houseboat at the lake, he made sure everyone was loved, having a good time, and was always taking opportunities to point those around him to Jesus. God's Creation was one of his favorite places to be.

For the past six years, he has had the opportunity to pass his love of the outdoors and Jesus to his three grandchildren. He took his role as Papa Buck seriously. From dance recitals to t-ball games to just getting on the floor with the kids at every opportunity to play with them, he made Mary Campbell, Beau, and Brooks know they were loved and so special to him.

Those that knew him well knew he never met a stranger. Once he met you, you were a friend for life and probably got called 'Buck'. As cliche as it may sound, he would willingly give you the shirt off his back. His 39 years of hard work in the sales industry allowed him many opportunities to meet people all over the world from all walks of life. He has countless memories of travels and good times with those he worked with, and considered many his closest friends.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, August 1, 2025 at Hephzibah Baptist Church, 1794 Wendell Blvd, Wendell.

The family will receive friends and relatives prior to the service beginning at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hephzibah Baptist Church Missions Scholarship Fund at 1794 Wendell Blvd. Wendell, NC 27597.

Condolences to the family may be made at poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.