Patrick Thomas O'Brien

Pat had an extensive career with U.S. Customs beginning in 1965 in New York and serving in various capacities in Charleston, Washington, D.C., and Manhattan, until he was appointed as the Special Agent in Charge for South Florida and the Western Caribbean during the heyday of drug smuggling and money laundering in the area. He attended the University of Miami School of Law at night and, after taking an early Federal retirement, spent the next 20 years practicing law, rising to the position of a Principal Shareholder with Greenberg Traurig, the third largest law firm in the country. In 2010 he semi-retired, again, and worked part-time as a self-employed attorney until his passing. Pat also continued his involvement with the Association of Customs and HSI Special Agents until his passing, including serving as Legal Counsel and receiving the Past President’s Award in 2019.

Throughout his life, Pat loved boating. The family belonged to sailing and yachting clubs all along the coast. In 2013, with the purchase of the Irish Rover, Coral Ridge Yacht Club became a new home. From that point forward, the O’Briens were hooked on cruising and he became Cruising Chairman for the next 2 years. They developed lasting friendships with many members as they traveled together and participated on various committees. Pat also served in both appointed and elected positions on the Board of Governors and most recently was elected as Rear Commodore for the upcoming term.

Pat is survived by his wife Gail, children Caroline Brown and William O’Brien, grandchildren Samuel Brown and Benjamin Brown and extended family members. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Saint John the Baptist Church, 4595 Bayview Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 followed by a Celebration of His Life held at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, 2800 Yacht Club Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.