Donald O'Brian

Donald Gene O’Brian, 84, beloved husband and father, was called to his eternal resting place on June 25, 2020. He was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1936 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Frank and Mamie O’Brian. He proudly served his country in the Navy from 1954 to 1958.

As a young man he moved to Miami to work with his father. Don met and fell for the love of his life, Elaine, in the summer of 1962. After a whirlwind romance, they wed on New Year’s Eve and began their married life by moving to Orlando to manage the expansion of that company. Their family grew by 3 children in quick succession, then in 1969, he bought out his father’s interest and over time successfully expanded the company to include construction and investment properties. He genuinely enjoyed the challenge of business and continued to run the company until recently.

Don loved spending time with his family (especially the little ones), unique cars and car shows, fishing and boating, relaxing at his New Smyrna beach house, traveling to see the leaves change with Elaine, St. Patrick’s Day and anything green, and collecting guns. He was a proud American and loved all things patriotic. His favorite sports teams to watch were the Auburn Tigers, Atlanta Falcons, and the Florida Gators. He had a great sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and a loving and generous heart.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Elaine; his children and their spouses Kim and Chris, Donnie and Dawn, and Sean and Traci; his grandchildren and their spouses Kameron and Josh, McKenzie and Blake, Casey and Gio, Madison and Alex, Cole, and Darbie; and his great-grandchildren Kinley, Hattie, and Anderson; and his sister Shirley. He leaves a legacy of strong faith in God, American pride, and deep love of family and is dearly missed already.

His service is limited to immediate family and will be held Monday, June 29 at 10 am at Highland Funeral Home, 3329 East Semoran St, Apopka, FL 32703. In lieu of flower, the family requests donations in Don’s name to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 1300 Hempel Avenue, Ocoee, FL 34761.