Paul Anthony O'Brien

Paul A. O’Brien, 91, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a brief illness.

Born on September 30, 1934, in Schenectady, NY, Paul was the beloved son of the late John and Ellen (Daly) O’Brien. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Siena University.

Paul dedicated more than three decades to public service with the New York State Comptroller’s Office in Albany, NY, where he worked as a Program Research Specialist. He carefully analyzed state programs and finances, always with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a strong commitment to serving others.

Paul will be remembered for his love of history, his interest in technology, his quiet strength, steady kindness, and deep commitment to family. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Kay O’Brien of Halfmoon, NY, and his brother-in-law, Joseph Minor of Centerville, MD.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of many years, Sheila (Stuart) O’Brien; his children, Karen O’Brien of Atlanta, GA; Shaun (Donna) O’Brien of Shalimar, FL; Kevin O’Brien of Fort Walton Beach, FL; Kristen (Darren) Martenson of Navarre, FL; and Lisa O’Brien of Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Anastacia Elliott and Dylan Martenson; sister, Aileen (O’Brien) Minor of Centerville, MD; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Linda Stuart of Liverpool, England; several nieces and nephews; and extended family in England and the Philippines.

A visitation will be held at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road Northeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 on December 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. and a celebration of life. A graveside service with Military Honors and interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Paul’s memory to consider a memorial donation in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a local pet rescue, or another charity of choice.

WEBSITE LIVESTREAM – Center and italicize above memory share link

PLEASE NOTE: The livestream screen will populate to the time zone you are in and may differ from the announced central time zone service.   If you are using a desktop computer to livestream the service, please “TURN MUSIC OFF” under the photo on this page.