In Memoriam: Robert Kenneth O’Brien, 1934-2023
Robert (Bob) K. O’Brien passed away on June 2, 2023, in Jupiter, Florida at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Barbara Hickey O’Brien, son Kevin R. O’Brien, and parents Arlene M. Lanois O’Brien Knight and Robert Ivor O’Brien. He is survived by his son Brendan R. O’Brien, daughter in law Julie Grasso, and grandchildren Samuel and Gianna of Portsmouth, NH, lady friend Donna M. Cohen of Jupiter, FL, sister Janet A. Martin of Leicester, MA and her four children, and trusted friend and colleague Laurie Weil.
Bob was born December 8, 1934, in Worcester, MA and attended Worcester public schools, then graduated from what is now Worcester State University in 1958. Bob and Barbara were longtime supporters of Worcester State.
Bob joined State Mutual Life Insurance Company [now The Hanover Insurance Group] in Worcester and eventually rose to Vice President of Group Reinsurance. Bob later founded Health Reinsurance Management Partnership (HRMP), which remains in business to this day.
Bob was an active pilot with an Instrument Rating, owned a succession of single-engine airplanes, and often flew himself on business trips.
Bob enjoyed golf and was at different times a member of the Georgetown Golf Club in Massachusetts, Abenaqui Country Club in Rye, NH, and Jonathan’s Landing in Jupiter, Florida.
At different times, Bob resided in Worcester, Westboro, Revere, Hyannis and Newburyport, MA, Portsmouth, NH, and Jupiter, FL.
Bob and his wife Barbara traveled the world and visited all seven continents.
Bob was known in all of his communities as a kind and thoughtful man who performed countless favors for others. His friends and neighbors knew him as someone who always had a smile and a handshake, a container of homemade pasta sauce, and even a doggie treat available when the situation arose.
Celebrations of Bob’s Life will be held later this summer in the Worcester, MA area, and in the fall in the Jupiter, FL area. To receive more information, please send an email to memoriesofbobobrien@gmail.com.
