Bradley Alan O'Brien (known affectionately to many as "Bear"), 62, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away, Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at the Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Brad was born on November 6th, 1961, in Cahokia, Illinois, to Robert E. O'Brien, Sr., and the late Corinne O'Brien nee Burton.

Brad grew up in Harrisburg, Illinois, and graduated from Harrisburg High School.  Always eager to learn something new, while in high school, Brad delved into camera work and doing commercials at the Harrisburg ABC Television Network Station as well as dabbled in Radio Commentary.

Brad also began his automotive career and skills of salesmanship during high school doing odd jobs at his father's car dealership, B. H. & O. Chevrolet in Harrisburg, Illinois. Moving to Granite City, he then attended Belleville Area College (BAC) (now Southwestern Illinois College-SWIC) and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  His love of playing the drums helped him pay his way through BAC by playing in many local area bands.

From an early age, Brad wanted to help other people, so he volunteered for Civil Air Patrol training and used this training to serve as an observer in their rescue air patrols.  His love for flying further led him to being an Office Manager Agent for Ozark Airlines in Carbondale, Illinois.  His continued zest for learning led him to take courses in computer programming while with Ozark Airlines.  After Ozark Airlines was sold, Brad accepted a position with TWA in St Louis as a Cargo and Shipping Agent.

His computer knowledge served him well when TWA moved their headquarters to Kansas City, and Brad accepted a position at Apple Computers in St. Louis.  It was here in St. Louis that Brad met the love of his life, Frith McCarthy. They were married in St Louis and moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, where they lived for over 20 years. It was here that Brad became a star realtor and led sales throughout the Panhandle area. His outlet from work was playing golf which he loved, and his golf talents earned him the title of Golf Marshall.

Brad was preceded in death by his mother, and two brothers: Robert (Bob) O'Brien, Jr. and Michael F. O'Brien, nephew, Mitchell R. O'Brien; his mother-in-law Carol (Smith) (McCarthy) Wiedmer and father-in-law J. Vernon McCarthy,  and his step-father Jack Wiedmer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 36 years, Frith (McCarthy) O'Brien, his father, Robert E. (Bob) O'Brien, Sr. and step-mother, Dianne Isbell-O'Brien of Belleville, Illinois; step-brother, Chad Gildig, of Denver, Colorado; sisters-in-law Becky O'Brien of Eldorado, Illinois, and Betsey (Carver) O'Brien of Mitchelville, IL; loving aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also missing him will be his furry friend, Mr. Hawkins, and Jake, his finger-biting, but loving parrot.

Special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Ascension Sacred Heart for their loving care and to Michael Schaussney, his personal assistant, for his dedicated friendship and service.

Brad's unique, witty personality made you laugh all the time.  He spread joy and love wherever he was, and he will be missed but not forgotten.  Per Brad's wishes, he was cremated with a Celebration of His Life held in Santa Rosa Beach on April 28, 2024.