Obituary of Vernon C. O'Brien, Jr.

Vernon C. O’Brien, Jr., 67, of Broadalbin, NY died peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 surrounded by his family.  Born on February 21, 1952 he was the son of Lorraine Drake O’Brien and the late Vernon C. “Pete” O’Brien, Sr.

A lifelong area resident, Vern was a 1970 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School.  In 1972 he was drafted into the United States Army serving until his honorable discharge in 1974.  He worked for General Electric prior to opening Vern’s Autobody and Sales Inc. in 1984.  The business began on Langley Road in the Town of Florida as a three bay garage.  Through the years the business expanded and grew to include towing, mechanical, collision and detailing.  After 33 years of dedicated service to our community, Vern retired in 2017 to spend time with his family.  He was also part owner of Four Corner Tire in Perth as well as the current owner of Egelston Oil Company.

Vern had a passion for cars and for helping people.  He enjoyed providing quality service at a reasonable price.  His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Terleckey O’Brien; his mother, Lorraine O’Brien;  two children, Cara L. O’Brien and Robert V. O’Brien and his wife Gina; four grandchildren, Kaylee, Raffaele, Reese and Kennedy; his former wife, Denise O’Brien; one brother Timothy R. O’Brien, Sr. and his wife Colleen; one niece, Christina Yates and her husband Peter, and their children, Jackson, Jonas and Jerrett; one nephew, Timothy R. O’Brien, Jr. and his wife Marlaina, and their children, Calli and Colbie; and his canine companion, Bailey.

Relatives and friends are invited to Vern’s Final Cruise- In on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 3 until 7p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.  Funeral and burial services will be private.  Burial will take place in the family plot in Chuctanunda Cemetery, Minaville, NY with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com