Theodore M O'Brien

Theodore M. O’Brien of Hollywood, FL, the cherished husband of the late Wilhelmina “Billie” Lauterber O’Brien entered into eternal rest on Tuesday December 4, 2012. Teddy was born on July 5, 1924 in Hartford, CT to the late Anthony and Josephine (Bonarowski) Zebzda.

Teddy grew up in the “Meadows” of East Hartford and matriculated from East Hartford High School in 1942. Teddy was a veteran of WWII where he served as a bombardier with the Air Force. After his military service, Teddy attended and graduated from Fordham University in NYC and then received a law degree from the University of Miami in Florida. For several decades Teddy maintained a law practice in the Fort Lauderdale area. Teddy was a dedicated advocate for his clients and often provided legal services for little or no fee to those in need.

Additionally, Teddy was a devout Catholic who lived his faith through service to his church and his community. He was a communicant of St. Stephen’s Church in Miramar, FL where he was a long time Eucharistic Minister and actively ministered many of the social programs of the church. Teddy and Billie were a nightly sight in their backyard praying the rosary in front of the grotto.

Teddy was the quintessential fun-loving uncle. He and Billie were always ready to do anything or go anywhere. The family times together were filled with adventure, fun, late-night excursions, shopping sprees and legendary card games. Although they didn’t have children of their own, Teddy and Billie had many dogs and cats that they took in and adored. Teddy and Billie’s hearts and home were always open to all.

Teddy is survived by his sister, Catherine Palmieri of East Hartford, his brother Edward “Tony” Zebzda also of East Hartford, his sister-in-law Janice Lee of Norwich and his brother-in-law Frank Lauterber of Ohio. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Frank and Shirley Zebzda, Virginia and Joseph “Pippie” Scata, John and Pat Zebzda, Joseph P. Zebzda, Genevieve and Henry “Hank” Daniels, brother-in-law Bruno Palmieri and a beloved nephew, Joseph B. Scata. Teddy was also predeceased by his sister-in-law Lee Lauterber Toon.

He leaves behind his niece Judith “Judy” Orzechowski of Vero Beach, FL who over the last few years had been his primary caretaker and advocate. He also leaves nieces Karen Mazrek and Joan Estra of Plantsville, Lillian Greenwood of Cheshire, Judith Ann Dender of Palm City, FL and Catherine T. Palmieri of South Glastonbury and nephews Stephen Daniels of Plantsville and Joseph A. Zebzda of East Hartford. He will also be dearly missed by his many great nieces and great nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of visitation on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 9:30-10:30AM at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT. 06108. A Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Ave., East Hartford. Services to conclude with burial in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. For additional information or to send online condolences to the family, kindly visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com