Gary James O'Brien

Gary James O’Brien, 81, passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026, surrounded by love. He was born on March 16, 1944, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Cecile LaPlante O’Brien and James Hartley O’Brien. Gary was the eldest of six children and is predeceased by his brothers Roger, Lawrence, and Byron; his sister Jocelyn O’Brien; and his sister-in-law Alice O’Brien. He is survived by his beloved sister, Claudia O’Brien of Rhode Island.

At the age of five, Gary contracted polio during a widespread epidemic—an event that would profoundly shape his life. He spent time in an iron lung and endured multiple surgeries throughout his childhood, resulting in a permanent disability. Yet Gary never allowed these challenges to define or limit him. His determination, intellect, and perseverance became hallmarks of his character.

Gary excelled academically, particularly in history and mathematics. Recognizing his aptitude, a school counselor encouraged him to take a Navy physics aptitude test, on which he performed exceptionally well. As a result, the U.S. Navy funded his education at Northeastern University, where he participated in a cooperative work-study program combining academics with real-world experience. Upon graduation, Gary began a distinguished 40-year career with the Navy Sound Lab, conducting sonar research for submarines. His first assignment took him to the Azores for two years, where he helped map the ocean floor.

Gary married Kathleen Foley, and together they raised their three children—James, Matthew, and Kara—in Niantic, Connecticut, while Gary worked out of New London. He traveled frequently for his profession, later commuting to Newport, Rhode Island, but made time to coach his children’s teams and sail regularly at the Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Gary retired in 2003, the same year his marriage ended.

In 2009, Gary met Holly Wynne of Long Island, New York. They married in 2012 and built a joyful life together as “snowbirds,” spending winters in Florida and summers in Niantic. They shared a deep love of travel, especially road trips, logging more than 100,000 miles exploring the backroads of the eastern United States. Gary also loved reading the newspaper—often for hours at a time—and staying connected to the world around him.

In 2018, Gary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, though he remained capable and active for several years. After receiving the COVID vaccine in 2021, Gary and Holly embarked on their longest and final major road trip, creating cherished memories. In later years, they continued their tradition of daily two-hour drives, which became treasured mini-adventures.

Gary contracted COVID in September 2025, leading to a rapid decline in his health. He entered hospice care in October and passed away peacefully at home.

Gary is survived by his wife, Holly Wynne O’Brien of Sarasota, Florida; his sister, Claudia O’Brien of Rhode Island; his sister-in-law, Kathleen O’Brien of Rhode Island; and his children: James O’Brien and his wife Carla of Pennsylvania, Matthew O’Brien and his wife Danielle of Massachusetts, and Kara Anastasiou and her husband Dimitri of Connecticut. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Connor, Liam, Owen (who predeceased him), and Reilly O’Brien of Pennsylvania; Kostas, Elias, and Zissis Anastasiou of Connecticut; and Gavin and Avery O’Brien of Massachusetts, whose ages range from five to eighteen.

A private burial and memorial service will be held in Florida on Saturday, January 10, with a New England memorial planned for the spring. Those wishing to honor Gary’s life are invited to consider a donation to Shriners Hospitals, whose compassionate care meant so much to him during his childhood battle with polio.

Gary James O’Brien lived a life marked by courage, curiosity, devotion, and quiet strength. Truly, his was a life well lived.