Denis F.X. O'Brien

Denis F.X. O’Brien, age 63, left this earth on October 18, 2021 with his beloved mother by his side. He spent his final days at home surrounded by loved ones. Denis was born at the New Jersey shore to Joseph O’Brien & Carol Flanangan-O’Brien and raised in the Flanagan ancestral home on Sunset Ave. in Asbury Park. He was a 5th generation parishioner of Holy Spirit Church, a 1972 graduate of Holy Spirit School and 1976 graduate of St. Rose Highschool in Belmar, NJ. Those who knew Denis in Asbury Park might not recognize him without his camera around his neck and equipment bag over his shoulder. He worked at the Asbury Park Press, bartended at Matty’s Bar and used his early work experience at Frank’s Deli to build a restaurant career and worked at many fine restaurants including the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank before jumping on his motorcycle and heading off to Houston in 1983. Denis’ big, bold and boisterous New Jersey personality settled well in Houston and he spent the rest of the 80s working in restaurant management for several businesses including Godfather’s Pizza and Cliff’s in Houston. His love of motorcycles led him to the Houston HOG Chapter where he was a member and served as an officer for a few years before going to work for Mancuso Harley Davidson. Working with Mancuso, HOG and the MDA charity Denis helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and provided motorcycle rides for many MDA families. He married Debra Spinello and they made a home for their children Denise, David and Anthony. Denis was a parishioner of Christ the Redeemer Church and could often be found selling raffle tickets for the Harley Davidson Motorcycle or in the dunk tank at their annual festival. Denis knew how to have fun and how to organize a good time, he loved to arrange events and enjoyed nothing more than to watch everyone have a good time. He loved his family and friends fiercely and with his whole heart. He often took time out of his own life to support others. He loved all sports and enjoyed watching them all and his boyhood NY/NJ teams remained his favorite. His NY Mets held a special place in his heart and he loved them even when they were breaking his heart in a last place finish or elating him as World Series Champions. He loved most music. He knew who Bruce Springsteen was when Bruce was that new kid in town with the guitar that lit up the Upstage. The guy attracting a bunch of musicians who wanted to share that Asbury Park sound. He listened to and shared scratchy bar recordings, and heard the voice of a fellow Catholic school boy who somehow shared his soul and made the music to soothe it. It was a life long musical affair that led to travelling for concerts and filled a life with joy and comfort.

Denis was preceded in death by his father, Joseph O’Brien and stepfather Gerard Speidel. He is survived by his mother Carol Speidel, his daughter Denise O’Brien(Harold Pringle)stepsons David & Anthony and their mother Debra, Jessica and the lights of his life his grandchildren Ashley, Colton, Breanna and David. He is also survived by his sister Denise(Fred) and nephew Jim, Cousins Robert, Kris and Maddie.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 30th 2021 at Brookside Funeral Home Cypress Creek, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston TX 77095. Friends and family may gather at noon for food and refreshments and the service will begin at 2PM.