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Scott O'Brien Obituary
Scott J. O'Brien had lived in Brooklyn for 13 years, but he had never seen Manhattan by boat until Sept. 8, when a friend with a powerboat showed him and his family around. "We had this fabulous picnic, and we went all around the harbor," recalled Kelly Hayes, Mr. O'Brien's wife. "He was so happy. We never knew there was a lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge. He was like a little kid. Every single thing was new to him."
A Connecticut native, Mr. O'Brien, 40, had met his wife at the University of Connecticut and moved to New York after an employer transferred him here. He was an active soccer and baseball coach for his 9- year-old son, Liam, and his 7-year-old daughter, Chloe. Liam had recently taken up fencing, a sport his father used for exercise.
On Sept. 11, Mr. O'Brien, a regional sales manager for Slam Dunk Networks, which provides Internet networks for companies, attended a conference at Windows on the World. "I didn't even know he was in the building," Ms. Hayes said. "I knew he had this conference, but I didn't know where it was."
She learned of the attack while dropping her children at school. When she returned to their Park Slope home, the message light was blinking on the answering machine. "Scott was on the phone," she said. "He said: `I love you. There has been an accident. We're waiting for help. I love you, and I'll see you soon.' "
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 6, 2001.
Scott O'Brien, of Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY, formerly of Westwood Drive, New Britain, tragically lost his life Tuesday, (September 11, 2001) in the attack on the World Trade Center. He was 40 years old. Scott was at a trade show. He was the regional manager for Slam Dunk Networks, located at 140 Broadway. He resided in Parkslope, Brooklyn, NY, for 12 years. Scott was born in New Britain. He was educated in the New Britain School System, graduating from New Britain High School in 1979. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1983 with a BS Degree in Marketing from the School of Business. He leaves his wife, Kelly Hayes, formerly of Prospect; and his two children, his son, Liam, 9 years old; and his daughter, Chloe, 7½ years old; his parents, Charles and Lois O'Brien of Westwood Drive, New Britain; his twin brother, Steven of Middletown; his sister, Shelley O'Brien and her husband James Petersen, and nephew, Dylan, all of New Britain; several aunts and uncles, Bill and Bette Batchelor of Kensington, Helen and Doug Driscoll of Plantsville, and Jack and Estelle O'Brien of New Britain; several cousins; and many friends. Scott was an accomplished skier and fencer. He was a Little League Baseball coach and a soccer coach. He was active in the PTA at PS 321, and in the community. He also was an avid Mets fan! A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 6, 4 p.m., at the Old First Reformed Church, 126 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the O'Brien Children Trust Fund, c/o Frank Hayes, PO Box 7023, Prospect, CT 06712 or to PS 321 PTA, 180 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
An old friend
September 11, 2024
Thinking of you, as always, on this day.
Steven OBr ien
March 5, 2024
Jesus Scott it´s going on 24 years. I read through these occasionally and still weep for you. I´m 63 years old....it should be you. I hope you´re with mom and dad, they missed you so much. Thanks to everyone, especially those in Brooklyn...better late than never. You saved me all those years ago, especially Liam and Chloe. I still try to make sense of it, I guess I never will because there was never any sense to it. All my love brother.
God bless your family. NYC for the 1st. Took this picture. Search for your name online to learn your story. To your family, I´m sorry for your loss but just know someone else was thinking of him and yourselfs today.
Chrysty L
October 1, 2023
God bless your family. NYC for the 1st. Took this picture. Search for your name online to learn your story. To your family, I’m sorry for your loss but just know someone else was thinking of him and yourselfs today.
An old friend
September 11, 2023
Never forgotten.
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Jillian Mansolf
September 11, 2023
I worked with Scott from 1994-1997 and remembering him today and what a funny, wonderful man he was. I remember how much he loved his family the most and how he could always make me laugh in the most stressful work situations. Lighting a candle today for his family.
A UConn friend
September 11, 2022
Thinking of you on this day.
An old friend
September 13, 2021
When I think of all of us when we were young and without a care so many memories come to mind. Your sense of humor, dedication to your family and friends, love of Jerry and the band and all the silly and sometimes stupid things we did. You are dearly missed. My love to you, Kelly, Liam and Chloe. My thoughts are with you always.....
Steven Tenenbaum
September 11, 2019
Thinking of you. The memories still feel fresh. See you some day.
Steven Beatty
September 11, 2018
I remember Scott O'Brien.
God's own grin upon his face.
Trotting all the way from third.
Five for Abby's first, first base.
I remember Scott O'Brien
with his people acting dumb.
with his people with my people
in the auditorium.
I remember Scott O'Brien
by his daughter, son and wife.
Why would I have thought to tell him
why I so admired his life.
Scott O'Brien's back with Jesus.
Dust to dust is what they say.
I remember Scott O'Brien
Like I saw him yesterday.
September 11, 2017
Thinking of you and your family.
September 11, 2016
Thought of you often over the last year. RIP Scott.
Tim Hayes
May 17, 2016
Aloha brother, miss you plenty. Can't wait to catch up with you one day.
Katerina M
September 11, 2015
I never met you, but you and my uncle were college buddies. He told me all these wonderful stories about you a few years back, and I have thought of you every year since. He said You were truly a great man and I can tell by all the comments left by friends and loved ones that he is right.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family always.
S J. Friscia III
August 31, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Carrie Sandberg
October 4, 2014
Found Scott's name on the wall at the George W Bush Library, yesterday. Made my day. 10/4/2014
Steve
September 11, 2014
Miss you Scott.
9/11 memorial
Bill O'Brien
September 10, 2014
Went to the 9/11 memorial back in November of 2011 and took some photos...here is one. Hope all who knew Scott have healed over the years.
rest in pease
September 10, 2014
An old friend
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you on this day. The world is a lesser place without you.
Don Ludwig
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you today as I do every anniversary.
Teresa Young
September 11, 2012
Thinking of my friends, the Hayes family today. Sandy, Frank, Erin, Tim, and Kelly Hayes Obrien, Liam and Chloe and the O'Brien family. My heart goes out to you today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you on a very sad day. To the Hayes family who has given so much to me and my family, especially your wonderful love, I wish I could somehow make this day easier. I can only return the intense love you showed me and my family for so many years and hope it helps in some way. To the O'brien family, our family sends our love to you. God bless you all.
Mayrebelle Lukins
September 13, 2011
Received Scott's name this 9/11/11 anniversary at the San Francisco Giants' memorial at AT&T Park in San Francisco. I was proud to hold his name card in a "We will never forget" ceremony. I held his name high during a moment of silence at the singing of the Star Spangled Banner before the game and at the 7th inning stretch during the singing of God Bless America. We will always remember and honor Scott and all those who lost their lives ten years ago.
A Friend NBHS '79
September 12, 2011
Prayers to your family and friends.
You live on in our hearts
A Friend
September 11, 2011
Remembering you today and always, your light still shines bright...
Carrie & Jim Sandberg
September 11, 2011
We send our thoughts and prayers to your family today and everyday. They hold a special place in our hearts.
Teresa Young
September 11, 2011
Prayer for your family on this difficult sad day. Even though I never met you, I knew your wonderful wife and her family, the Hayes family, and I know the depth of their love. And you were so loved and I am sure missed also. God bless. Teresa Young
Jill
September 11, 2011
I worked with Scott for two years at a start up in the early nineties called NeTpower. Although I was on the West Coast, my team supported Scott in his sales efforts. He was always wonderful to work with...funny, smart and appreciative of those that supported him. I think about him all the time and how sad (and angry) I am that he was murdered in such a senseless act.
Although his family will never know me - - I wanted them to know that Scott touched many peoples lives. He was just simply - - a great guy.
September 9, 2011
Remembering you with a smile and a few tears.....
Tim Hayes
September 7, 2011
It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. We miss you. You'd be so proud of Liam & Chloe. They both just started college. We have missed out on so much together. We're always thinking about you Scott.
love & aloha
Tim & Fay
September 11, 2010
another year, but always thinking about you, you will never be forgotten.
love from a friend,
Keith Taylor
September 9, 2010
May God bless those who were left behind.Saw a memorial on face book.Our prayers are with the family.
September 11, 2009
Honoring lives and thinking of your brother, Mr. O'Brien at Spring Glen School. I'm sure he misses Scott every day.
Tim Hayes
September 11, 2009
We miss you Scott. You would be so proud of Liam & Chloe. They have grown up so much since you've left us.
Love & Aloha,
Tim & Fay
September 11, 2009
Always in our hearts..we miss and love you.
Love from a friend.
Joe Hukill
March 2, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the
O'Brien families and all his friends and loved ones.
I am serving on Active duty... I re-enlisted after 911... you can't expect a Paratrooper to sit on the side lines, especially when a HS buddy has fallen to such a crime. But it is for all of our country I do this and Scott would have said that too. We were not best friends but we new each other, had classes together, Lincoln school, Slade and NBHS etc... I am still shocked after all these years... for all the places I have gone and still to go...I will not forget! I will never forget Scott. His friend,
Joe Hukill
SSG US Army
Special Operations Command
SOD_G RIArNG
September 11, 2008
Scott, I sit here waiting to hear your name read, to see your picture and can't believe another year has gone by. You are remembered always, never far from my heart or mind. Your light shines on.
Love from a friend.
A friend
September 11, 2007
Thinking about you.
Tim Hayes
September 10, 2007
We miss you.
P Tabbernor
January 18, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 22, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
An old UCONN Buddy
September 22, 2006
It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years already. Watching news coverage of that day was kind of surreal. As always, this time of year has brought thoughts of times past, when we were more innocent and never in our wildest imagination, thought that something like this could happen. I think of Scott and his family very often. I hope that Kelly, Liam and Chloe are doing well and are able to remember all the good that Scott represented. Whenver I listen to the Grateful Dead or watch a Mets game or do anything associated with UCONN, I remember Scott. The memory always brings a smile to my face and more often then not, a tear to my eye. We must never let our memory of him or of the others lost on that day fade. Watch over us Scott and "Lets go Mets!"
Jessica Olszewski
September 12, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you five years later and always.
Tori Pietrowski
September 11, 2006
I have such wonderful memories of Scott. He was a great artist. One Halloween he made a perfect black and white spiral on his face. I can still remember him walking around the Hartford Civic Center yelling "Ut" and listening for the response to find friends. I remember camping in Saratoga. Scott and Andy and Steven washing in the river. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and the Zebra car. I remember Scott describing the way he felt when Kelly had Liam. I remember a St. Patrick's Day in Boston when Scott said that he loved the name Liam so it wasn't a huge suprise to hear that's what he named their son. I remember Scott holding Chloe when she was a baby. I remember Scott loved the song China Cat Sunflower. He had a great laugh. You had to smile when you heard him laugh. On 9/11/01 I was working in Oregon. I turned on the TV as Tower One started to fall. Later that day someone asked me if I knew anyone that worked in the Trade Center. I said I have a friend in New York but he doesn't work in Manhattan. In my wildest dreams or nightmares did I ever think Scott would be there. I miss my friend.
Dawn Nielsen
September 11, 2006
Thinking of Scott today, the fifth anniversay. It still seems so sureal. I think of Kelly, Liam and Chloe every 9/11 and often throughout the year and hope that they have found happiness and are able to live life again while at the same time hanging on to all the memories of Scott. My prayers are with you and all those who
tyson james
September 11, 2005
Well here we are again, another anniversary. The wounds still feel open as if it the first anniversary. I dont not feel lost because i know i will see you again.-TY
Dennis Young
September 13, 2004
Remembering the good times Scott must of had with your family. I too coached my kids in soccer and baseball. They will carry you with them always..........
Dennis
September 11, 2004
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
A UCONN Friend
September 11, 2004
Thinking of you and all of the others on this day. Rest well.
9/11/04
Spain in Rhode Island/ August 2001
Tim Hayes
June 9, 2004
Almost three years. Things are still the same. You just have different moments. Miss you plenty Scott. Love and Aloha, Tim and Fay
susan canzonetti-stone
September 11, 2003
Thinking of Scott and all the OBriens today.
Susan
tyson james
May 4, 2003
Hey, scott I rember when we were down in Rhode Island and we were looking for sea shells.And the time when were siting on the bench in front of our house and we watched the sun set together.
I will see you agen love Ty
An Old Friend
September 12, 2002
"Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
Aeschylus
Kelly,
Promise us that you will share your lust for life once again with your children. It makes me so sad that this has happened to you and your family.
Peace.
Steven Tenenbaum
September 11, 2002
Scott,
On this day and every day, you are remembered. May your family find strength in that memory.
Steve
Lisa doran
September 11, 2002
How strange it is that I sit in my classroom at Lincoln School on this day (9-11-02). It is here that I met the O'Brien twins. Although it was Steven who caught my eye, I remember Scott to be the one who had his eye on the goal. He did all his homework and he only teased you if you started it. He and Steven were like night and day, although for a while there, they dressed alike! They say you never lose your twin, there is always a part of them that stays with you. My prayers to you, Steve, I hope you find your way.
Linda Friedman
September 11, 2002
Dearest Scott,
Thinking of you always with wonderful memories.
Kelly, Liam, Chloe,
I am thinking of you today and always.
Love,
Linda
David Moore
September 10, 2002
Dear Kelly, Liam and Chloe:
Frita and I have been thinking of you all. I will be ringing the Avon Congregational Church's bell tomorrow at the times requested by Govenor Rowland for Avon, and I will do so in particular for Scott.
We will be in New York during the holiday season, and hope to see you all.
We miss Scott, and we send all of our love to you!!
Dave Moore
Barry O'Brien
September 3, 2002
It was my 10 year old son who asked - 'Dad, do we know anyone who was in the World Trade Center when this happened?' My first answer was -No...Thank God. Then, after reflecting, I realized that, even though we may not be familiar with anyone who was there that day, we do, in fact, 'know' them all. We were all there that day, all of us as Americans. My family and I are truly saddened by your loss, and we know your grief must be immeasurable. May God be with you and yours and please know that our prayers and hopes are yours forever.
steven obrien
April 19, 2002
I just wanted to say thanks for the messages...steve, tori, bobby d. etc. they say time heals all wounds.. I have my doubts but I do know that our love will not fade away. Peace
Steve Tenenbaum
March 27, 2002
I had not seen much of Scott over the last few years. That is why I am amazed that every time I think of him, I can hear his laugh as clearly as if he was standing next to me. I wear the shell necklace quite often. When ever I put it on my daughters ask me if I'm thinking about my friend Scott. The truth is, I have'nt stopped thinking about him. I am lucky to have known him. God bless you, Scott.
Steve
March 17, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...SCOTT J.OBRIEN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Christopher OBrien
February 3, 2002
I came to a CNN website thinking it might help me understand everything a little better. Then I saw the link that shows the victims one by one. Tragic as everything has been I knew that unfortunatley there would probably be an OBrien or two. Such a common name. As a fellow American and as a distant relative somewhere through the ages perhaps, Scott, reading your story broke my heart. My prayers are with you and your family tonight upon learning about you. To Scott's family: Just know that you are a part of our OBrien family and the greater American family that we all belong to. Your tragedy is our tragedy and will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Tim Hayes
January 11, 2002
Well, the day has come. Scott's remains were identified today. I am not sure if this is good or bad. In a way it is, but it also opens new wounds. This is the most difficult thing our family ha ever had to go through. Our lives will never be the same. Much mahalo to Johnny V for the great song he has written for Scott. Thank you all for you great memmories of Scott. Please email me if you would like. Love and Aloha to all.
Tim Hayes (Kelly's brother)
Tori Pietrowski
December 26, 2001
Scott was a great friend. When I think of the good times at UCONN it brings a smile to my face. He loved his family. I think he must of fallen in love with Kelly the first time he saw her. He was very proud of his family. The last time I saw Scott he called me a Blast from the Past. I feel the same way about him. I'm sure that Scott's saving front row seats for us in Heaven to see Jerry. I'll miss him.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Scott. May his life and love live on in Kelly, Liam, Chloe and family members. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Robin (Spector) Nickerson
November 2, 2001
Dave & I were so saddened to hear about the tragedy of Scott's loss. Most of my merories of Scott & Stephen were limited to our wonderful field trip to Toronto. I am so glad that I got a chance to know him. He was a great kid. We are thinking of you.
Robin & Dave
Bobby Dee
October 30, 2001
Though I hadn't seen Scott in several years, I will always consider him a close and dear friend from my days in Batterson D at U-Conn. Many a late nights were spent lisiting to the GD and playing zilch. Guiness at Ted's, road trips, and wild excursions into the abys of our mind will always be fondly remembered. God Bless and peace in your new life.
Bobby D
Larry Schenck
September 28, 2001
When I saw the picture of your son and read the Courant article about him on the Internet. It brought tears to my eyes. I could imagine the terrible pain it would have caused my father and mother, the late Tom and Florence Schenck of Kenwood Drive, New Britain.
As a professor of marketing at Los Angeles City College, for 22 years, Scott has a special place in my heart.
How very fortunate you are that Scott had children. Because of that, you can be sure that his qualities, and yours, will be perpetuated throughout generations, forever.
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