06/06/2026
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With regret, we inform you of the passing of Danny O'Brien (retired-former member of E79).
(Family written obituary) Daniel Thomas O’Brien, Sr. (better known as Danny), age 70, of Mohegan Lake, NY passed away in his home on June 3, 2026. Danny is survived by his son, Daniel, and ex-wife Donna. He is also survived by siblings William (Billy), Robert (Bobby), Kathleen (Kathy), and Noreen. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, who died of brain cancer in 2010, and his parents William (Bill) and Mary.
Danny graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx, NY, meeting his wife Donna at the luncheonette run by her family on Williamsbridge Road, while he worked next door at the Wagner's Boilermaker. He had a brief stint as a cross-country truck driver before returning to the boilermaker—followed finally by joining the FDNY for twenty years before retiring in 2002.
Danny began his FDNY service at Engine 79 in The Bronx, followed by Engine 52, where he would spend the rest of his career along with his brother Billy. He served as the delegate, a leadership position within the firehouse, from 1999-2002. Danny and Donna bought their first and only home in Mohegan Lake, NY in 1984, and were married in 1985. They had their first child, Michelle, in 1989, and their second, Daniel, in 1991, both at Einstein Hospital in The Bronx.
Danny deeply enjoyed most sports—he played on the Fire Department softball team for many years—and his true fandom resided with the Yankees and the Giants. Danny was also an excellent cook, cooking both for his family, and for the guys at the firehouse. He was a charming man with a charming smile. He was deeply good-intentioned, always offered a helping hand, was endowed with an affinity for laughter, and had a hearty chuckle at that. Danny was a committed and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend for many years.
The family is grateful for the enduring support of their friends, family, and loved ones over these many years. Friends can visit with the family on Sunday, June 7, from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Yorktown Funeral Home in Shrub Oak, NY. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 8, at 10:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton in Shrub Oak, NY. Services will conclude at Rose Hill Memorial Cemetery in Putnam Valley, NY.
Memorial donations in Danny’s name can be made to your preferred charity or to Friends of Firefighters, an organization committed to providing free mental health and wellness services to the FDNY community since 2001. You can donate at https://friendsoffirefighters.org.
Our very deepest condolences go out to the family. May Danny Rest in Peace.