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Frank J. O'Brien Jr.

1943 - 2021

Frank J. O'Brien Jr. obituary, 1943-2021, Bronx, NY

BORN

1943

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes - Hicksville

125 W Old Country Road

Hicksville, New York

Frank O'Brien Obituary

O'BRIEN Jr. - Frank J. passed peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 21, after several years of health challenges. He was born on January 24, 1943, in the Bronx. Frank, fondly known as "F'OB," was a jazz pianist well-known across LI, NYC and beyond. A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School in St. Albans, Frank's passion from the age of 3 was to play the piano which he did every day of his life. His incredible talent, infectious smile and love of music made him popular among musicians and jazz enthusiasts who enjoyed his company as much as his music. His circle of friends grew over the years and were loyal in following his appearances. It was common to see musician friends drop in for a set with the Frank O'Brien Duo or Trio to the delight of audiences. Frank welcomed a sunny day, was an avid reader and had a joke for every occasion. He enjoyed restoring furniture and rooting for the Mets (Let's Go Mets!). Frank loved to cook as much as eat and took delight in entertaining friends and family. He introduced his nieces and nephews to great music, scary stories and Toscanini. Frank had a passion for language and studied several; his great joy was in communicating in a foreign tongue. Self-taught in music and in most things, Frank taught himself to read music and developed his own distinctive style to accompany the songs people wanted to sing along to. Frank did it all his way. Frank is predeceased by his parents, Sophie and Frank, and is survived by his sisters Elaine, Barbara (Bill), and Maureen, and his beloved companion, Alice, and lifelong best friend Vinny. Visitation: Wednesday, 3/24 from 2-6pm, Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, 125 Old Country Rd., Hicksville. Funeral Mass: Thursday, 3/25 at 11:00am, St. Martin of Tours RC Church, 220 Central Ave., Bethpage. Interment: Pinelawn Memorial Park.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Newsday on Mar. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank O'Brien

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6 Entries

Phyllis Gladstone

March 18, 2025

It is hard to think Frank and Don are not here anymore. When they played together it was wonderful. Perhaps we can find peace thinking they are playing together. I am missing the old times.

The Creaghans, Tillingers, and Astors

March 18, 2023

Miss you Mr. O´Brien..

The Creaghan, Astor, and Tillinger families

November 11, 2021

So sorry to hear that Frank died. Our family got to know him through our brother and uncle, Charles Ponsford (Charles Ford). Charles was a wonderful singer and performed with Frank on many, many occasions. We had terrific times enjoying Frank´s and Charle´s artistry. Our condolences to Frank´s sisters and his loved ones. Praying for you all.

Phyllis Gladstone

April 2, 2021

My husband Don Gladstone played bass with Frank for many years. They enjoyed playing with each other up until the time we moved to Cary, NC. Don used to speak fondly of Frank. I was able to talk to Frank before he passed. I want to think that Don meets up with Frank on the other side and has a world-class jam session since a lot of Don's player friends that left are there in heaven. RIP

Sandie Wilson =O=•

March 24, 2021

Frank was a wonderful, extremely talented man! My heart will be full of wonderful memories of him, forever!
God Bless !

The Staff of Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home

March 24, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for Frank O'Brien

Mar

24

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes - Hicksville

125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801

Mar

25

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Martin of Tours RC Church

220 Central Ave., Bethpage, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes - Hicksville

125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801

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