Obituary of David L. O'Brien

David L. O’Brien of Tonawanda, New York, passed away March 3, 2025, at the age of 72.

David was born August 20, 1952, at Connecticut’s New London Naval Submarine Base, to Lloyd and Jacqueline (Burtt) O’Brien.  As a child and young adult, David traveled across the U.S., called many different places home and practiced various vocations, before settling in the Buffalo area.  He held careers in radio, sales, and marketing, but David’s real passion was God and family.  He was a devoted born-again Christian, a loving husband and father, and a proud grandfather. David was an avid NY Yankees fan and sci-fi movie buff, who most enjoyed vacations with family in North Carolina and Brant Lake, New York.  He will be remembered by those closest to him for his constant, goofy jokes, his kind gentleness and his faith-based approach to life.

David is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Kathleen (Flanigan) O’Brien; his daughter Shawna Petrello and his step-children Jessica and husband Derek Simmons, Danielle Candy, and Tucker Candy; his grandchildren Hunter Goldsmith, Lily and Zidan Ghazalle, Jayce Candy, and Harper Petrello; his siblings Judith Hodge, John O'Brien and wife Judith Prager, Robert O'Brien and Helene Weiss , Richard O'Brien and wife Lauren Ringhaver, Thomas and wife Maggie O’Brien, Jeffrey and wife Tina O’Brien, and Kevin O’Brien; as well as several beloved extended family members including cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

Per David’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.  Activities in his memory will instead take place at the convenience of the family throughout the year ahead.