Obituary of Roby O'Brien

Ralph Bennett O’Brien,(77), of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on April 26, 2024. Ralph, fondly known as Roby, was born to Helen Gandy O’Brien and Ralph Bennett O’Brien on April 24, 1947 in St. Petersburg FL. Roby was a third generation Floridian, who grew up in the same house he then resided in with his wife, Candace Berner, for the past 42 years. Roby always had at least one toe in Big Bayou. He spent much of his life boating, fishing, swimming and splashing in its waters. He once found a cannonball from the Union attack on the Mirana Rancho in 1861 in the sand on the beach when he was a teenager.  During his elementary school years he sometimes commuted to Lakewood Elementary via row boat across Big Bayou. He was also a skilled and accomplished sailor, winning many youth tournaments and going on to captain his own Morgan. Roby graduated from St Petersburg High School and then attended and graduated from Stetson University in Deland, Fl. with a degree in American Studies.   After college, Roby backpacked his way through Europe, and then settled in the small town of Pierson, Fl, where he started a cactus nursery and fernery.  After that, Roby moved back to St. Petersburg to join Southern Supply and Manufacturing, which was founded by his grandfather.  He went on to serve as president of Southern Supply until his retirement.  During retirement, Roby spent his time cooking, reading, visiting with friends and family and working on his marksmanship in the backyard. 

Roby is survived by his wife Candace Berner, three children Brendan (Hilary) O’Brien, Conor O’Brien and Bevin O’Brien, and his three grandchildren Sophia Joyce, Bennett O’Brien and Helen O’Brien. He is also survived by his sister Kim O’Brien, her husband Rob Morey and his sister Cindy O’Brien and nephews Colin and Seth Chapin. He was the most caring father, grandfather, husband, son, uncle, nephew and friend. 

Everyone who knew him would agree that he spent his life full of compassion, kindness and love. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 19th. If you would like to attend, please email Roby's daughter Bevin at bevinolivia123@gmail.com