Robert A. O'Brien

Robert A. O’Brien, “Bobby”, of Binghamton, New York, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. He was surrounded by his loved ones and closest family members.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Robert E. O’Brien, and his niece, Kristy Lyn Ames, who we know welcomed him in heaven with a hug and a “slappin”. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents: Patrick and Anna O’Brien, Amelio and Emily DeNinis, his Aunt Rose Linda DeNinis, and several aunts and uncles from the O’Brien and DeNinis families.

Bob is survived by his mother, Virginia O’Brien; his devoted fiancée, Tammie Mangano; their beloved dog, Coco; and his four siblings: William O’Brien (Rebecca Kapstein), Jim O’Brien (Debbie), Denise Masciarelli, and Chris O’Brien (Stephanie Carbone Hackett). His four cherished children also survive him: Eric O’Brien (Jonna Patak), Danielle O’Brien, Brianna O’Brien (Dave Sabol), and Trenton Kosalek. Bob adored his precious grandchildren, Gia Rose O’Brien (GG) and Asher Sabol (Monkey Boy), and their loving grandmother, Julie O’Brien. He leaves behind eight nieces and nephews: Emma, Garrett, Sarah Kapstein-O’Brien, Madelyn and Morgan O’Brien, Mariah Matthews (Pat), Dante Masicarelli, and Brennan O’Brien. Additionally, Bob will be missed by his childhood friends Nick Emelio and Sam Santoni, extended family members, and countless lifelong friends.

Bob was a proud Binghamton native, where he grew up on the west side with his parents and four younger siblings. He attended Binghamton Central High School, graduating in 1977. Known as a popular guy and a natural-born athlete, he was the star running back and set a record for total yards in his senior year. Bob was often found with his close-knit group of friends when not on the football field. He played semi-pro football for the TC Jets and recreational football for the Sun Devils. Even after his “pro” football days, Bob and his friends continued to play tackle football on various fields around town. He also competed in truck pulls with his blue 1972 Ford F250 and enjoyed participating in mud runs. In his mid-twenties, he discovered downhill skiing, where, of course, like everything else, he excelled.

Bob worked as a construction worker; the best of the best, especially when it came to operating heavy machinery. He was known as one of the hardest workers, and his handiwork can be seen throughout Broome County and as far as Seneca Lake; he was a master of his craft.  Bob's intelligence was unmatched—there was never a question he couldn't answer. “The knower of all.” The family often joked that he could navigate anywhere in the world without needing a map and solve any math problem without needing a calculator. He was also a strategic hunter with the “Outlaws Hunting Club” with his brothers, son, and close friends. A busy man always on the move, Bob and his family enjoyed concerts, food festivals, exploring different cities, camping, fishing, and kayaking. He was a true outdoorsman in every sense of the word.

Bob’s children will hold close all the fond memories they created growing up. Countless summer days spent boating at Cayuga Lake, learning to drive on his truck at the “yard”, the occasional game of manhunt he would participate in (everyone wanted to be on his team), and grilling up some of the best meals they’ve ever had- he was a self-taught culinary expert.

His children, family, and friends meant everything to him, leaving those behind heartbroken.

Strong, kind, loyal, thoughtful, wise, skilled, funny, big-hearted, handsome (for you, Tassie), and maybe a little bit stubborn- Bob stayed true to these qualities right up until the end. Those around him could attest to his generosity and willingness to help at the drop of a hat. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  We will carry forward his legacy of a strong work ethic and cherished traditions for generations to come, knowing he will be “supervising” from up above. We were truly blessed to have such an incredible person in our lives.

We love you, Dad. We will do our best to keep making you proud.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at Guthrie’s Seton 1—Tiffany, Katelyn S., and Zaina—for the exceptional care they provided to Bob and his family. A heartfelt thanks also goes to his “special nurse,” Maddie O’Brien, for her unwavering support during Bob’s hospitalizations.

Bob proudly embraced his Italian and Irish heritage:

“Non ti dimenticheremo,” “perché fosti il migliore di noi, perché c'insegnasti ad essere buoni e coraggiosi.”

“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

 Services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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