Edward O'Brien

Edward “Ed” O’Brien, 80, passed away at home in Watervliet, New York on September 12, 2026. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Ed grew up in Albany, New York before moving to the Bridgeport, Connecticut area, where fate led him to his eternal love, his late wife, Nancy J. (Green) O’Brien.

After graduating from Albany’s Schyler High School, Ed served in the United States Army and went on to attend the Bullard-Haven Technical school graduating as a machinist. Ed worked in various industrial laborer positions in his younger years.

Ed had an adventurous spirt that stayed with him throughout his life—whether he was out on one of his beloved motorcycles, taking a spin in a sports car, setting off on a spontaneous camping trip or in 1988 embarking on an epic five-month cross country expedition to California to prospect for gold. While he did not glean the bounty he sought, the incredible experiences and stories that journey yielded were indeed solid gold!

Ed was a true polymath with a curious mind and skilled hands. A self-taught photographer, carpenter, electrician, locksmith and mechanic, he was known as the ultimate fixer of all things. If something was broken, Ed could always figure out how to restore it.

Above all, Ed found comfort and quite reflection in the beauty of nature. Until his health declined, he cherished his long, daily walks through the peaceful paths of the Albany Rural Cemetery, treasuring the gentle solitude and quiet calm those wanderings brought to his days.

Ed was reunited in rest with his beloved wife Nancy, his parents, Luke and Nina (Bowman) O’Brien and his brother Luke O’Brien.

His memory will be held dear by his children, Paula J. O’Brien-Soler (Marco), Edward O’Brien, Jr. (Olivia), Nina Krupian and Jenean Krupian, and his grandchildren, Colin Soler, Mallory O’Brien and Edward O’Brien III.

Ed is also survived by his sisters, Eugenia Graves and Patricia (Anthony) De Trafford, his aunt Priscilla Pepin, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 391 Delaware Avenue in Albany, NY on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11am. Calling hours will be held prior to the service at the church from 9am to 11am. Interment will follow at Albany Rural Cemetery, bringing Ed full circle to the tranquil grounds he loved so much.

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