Robert W. O'Brien

Robert W. O’Brien, 98, of Upper St. Clair, PA, formerly of Torrington, CT passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 23, 2016.  He was the beloved husband of Dena (Pace) O’Brien for 67 years.

Bob was born on April 26, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, the middle son of 12 children of Thomas P. O’Brien and Anna Seitz O’Brien.  He graduated from The Gilbert School in 1936 and attended the Hartford Institute of Technology.  Bob proudly served his country volunteering in 1941 and served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Arcturus.  After his service to his country he was employed in the State Highway Department of the State of Connecticut as a Senior Highway Engineer, for 38 years retiring in 1985.  In retirement he pursued his love of travel, the out of doors, walking and most of all being with family.

Bob is survived by his son Jim of Shreveport, LA, daughter Peggy and husband Rob Blanc of Bethel Park, PA and a sister Marge Riiska of Winsted, CT.  He is pre-deceased by brothers John (Laura), Tom (Priscilla), Vincent (Eleanor), Joe (Carol) and his sisters Alice, Anna (Leland) Harding, Mary (Henry) Centrella, Elizabeth Cornelio, Theresa (Roger) Hayes, J. Evelyn O'Brien, and brother-in-law Bill Riiska.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the William L. Gilbert Trust, 200 Williams Avenue, Winsted, CT, 06098, or the Veteran’s Services of Torrington, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790.

Visitation will be Thursday April 28th, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Friday morning April 29th from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield Street, Torrington, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 107 East Main Street, Torrington with interment following at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pearl Road, Torrington, CT with full military honors.

Condolences may be sent to the O’Brien family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com