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Larry truly never met a stranger and could connect with anyone, anywhere.

Lawrence S. “Larry” O’Brien, of Alpharetta, Georgia, and formerly of Wantagh, New York, passed peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. In the words of his late brother, Jerry, he was “a gentle man in a crazy world.”

Born August 5, 1934, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Larry was the son of James T. and Josephine (Konik) O’Brien. He spent his early childhood in Reading before moving with his family to the Upper East Side of New York City at the age of eleven.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Sperry during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career as a data technician with the telephone company on Long Island, retiring after many years of service from Verizon.

Larry truly never met a stranger and could connect with anyone, anywhere. Warm, outgoing, and genuinely interested in others, he seemed to encounter an old friend wherever he went—and when he didn’t, he was likely to make a new one. After moving to Georgia to be closer to family, he continued forming friendships throughout the community, including with the friendly staff at the Crabapple Publix and the caring physical therapy team at PT Solutions.

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Larry sought to live his faith not only in words, but through generosity, kindness, and selfless service to others.

At the center of Larry’s life was his faith in Jesus Christ. He came to faith as an adult, and his commitment to Christ profoundly shaped the course of his life and the lives of those around him. Through his example and witness, he helped lead members of his family to the Lord, including his mother, Josephine; his son, Lawrence (“Mike”); his daughter-in-law, Linda; and his daughter, Laurie.

Larry sought to live his faith not only in words, but through generosity, kindness, and selfless service to others. He shared the gospel with countless people over the years and maintained a remarkable one-man evangelistic mail ministry, sending thousands of gospel tracts to people around the world. To his family, he was a steadfast and godly example whose faith remained strong throughout his life.

Larry was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen (DeBruyne) O’Brien of Alpharetta, Georgia; his daughters, Laurie (O’Brien) Massey of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Micheline Klein of Canton, Georgia, and Rebecca Donlan of Alpharetta, Georgia; his sister, Marlene (O’Brien) Hayes of Medford, New Jersey; and his daughter-in-law, Linda O’Brien of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Larry was a proud and loving grandfather to Timothy and Jeremy O’Brien of Colorado Springs; Emma and Grace Massey of Plymouth, Massachusetts; Logan and Piper Klein of Canton, Georgia; and Jocelyn and Seamus Donlan of Alpharetta, Georgia. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Mason and Maggie O’Brien of Colorado Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. and Josephine O’Brien; his brothers, Peter and Gerald O’Brien; his first wife, Marjorie (Miller) O’Brien; and his beloved son, Lawrence Michael O’Brien.

Larry had a deep appreciation for God’s creation. Over the years, he was an avid bird watcher and lover of nature. In retirement, he logged countless miles along Ocean Parkway on Long Island while working as a courier for Jones Beach State Park, with regular stops to spot rare birds—and to chat over coffee with those he met along the way.

He was a lifelong baseball fan who faithfully followed the New York Mets and, after moving south, the Atlanta Braves. Fittingly, he was still cheering them on near the very end, celebrating their 5–3 victory over the Diamondbacks from his hospital bed the night before he passed. The Braves win!

Larry will be remembered for his deep and abiding faith, his devotion to his family, his sharp wit and infectious laugh, mastery of obscure knowledge and trivia, his kindness to all, and a life well spent sharing with others the hope of life in Christ.

Arrangements are being handled by Northside Chapel in Roswell, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to two of his favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.