It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Frank E. O’Brien, who passed away suddenly on January 10, 2026, at the age of 70, after a long illness.
Frank was born and raised in Hoboken, NJ. Throughout his career, he worked at Quality Deli (Hank’s) in Hoboken, Stevens Institute of Technology, Ferguson Propeller, and the Imperial House in New York City. While the former was his favorite, the latter allowed him to meet so many fascinating people, including Liza Minelli. She introduced Frank and his wife to a different side of NYC, with the Rainbow Room being one of those unforgettable adventures — a time in his life he truly never forgot.
Frank was so excited to make his 50th anniversary with his wife but if we count their dating history, we certainly passed that date. Even to his last day he would tell all the nurses how beautiful his wife was and wanted to make sure that a few of his last wishes of presents for her were fulfilled which was indeed done.
Frank touched so many people in his life. He was a tough but gentle man. Throughout the years, if someone needed a place to stay his door was always open to get someone back on their feet for a day or an extended period. Those who knew, “Frank’s the Man”– or at least saw his business cards. Frank was always ready to help anyone who crossed his path, whether it was a stranger having a seizure at the mall, a neighborhood child who wasn’t breathing, a ride to the airport, or a friend who simply needed a listening ear.
Frank was intelligent, caring, and witty. Frank was a eucharistic minister which he was very proud of. He was quick to tell a joke. He collected cologne and while his family sometimes thought he could ease up a bit on it, he loved to smell good and his hair was the most dapper touch. How do you share a lifetime of who someone was in a short story for an obituary, while it may be difficult we hope this gives you an idea of the kind, strong, loving person that Frank was.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Margaret; his son Eddie (daughter-in-law Haydee and grandchildren Anazaria and Adeline); his son Steven (daughter-in-law Michele and grandchildren Stephanie, Gabriella, and Jack); and his daughter Jennifer (son-in-law Franklin). He is survived by many loved ones. His cousins, siblings, his brother in laws and sister in laws, many nieces and nephews, and many friends he met through the years. Frank is predeceased by his brother Michael, his twin sister Margaret Ann, and his brother in law William.
Visitation Friday, January 16, 2026, 4 PM to 8 PM at the Failla – McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ. Funeral Mass Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, 308 Jefferson Street, Hoboken NJ. Cremation services will be private.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to The Hoboken Shelter. In person or online at https://www.hobokenshelter.org/how-you-can-help.