Frank L. O'Brien, III, 82, formerly of Villanova, PA, retired Founder, and former CEO of O'Brien Energy Systems, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2021 in Pennsylvania.

Mr. O'Brien was the son of the late Frank O'Brien Jr. and Elizabeth Creighton O'Brien. He was the brother of the late Daniel Bryce O'Brien and Clarence "Rance" J. O'Brien II; and former husband to the late Jane McCarthy O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien is survived by their three children Frank L. O'Brien, IV, Alice J. O'Brien, and Arthur C. O'Brien; sister, Missie Corey; brothers, Gregory O'Brien, and Patrick O'Brien; and Jean Driver, his beloved companion.

Mr. O'Brien lived a charmed life… a life that was not without its challenges.  He was an entrepreneur who worked hard and savored his successes. At his core he relished the thrill of the art of a business deal – never without his yellow legal pad, newspapers, and periodicals – always generating new business ideas. Grand or small, each endeavor fueled his never-ending curiosity for innovative concepts, learning, and ultimately the quest for structuring a deal. There were momentous wins, and with great risk, the inevitable falls. Through the challenges, he persevered with his indominable Irish spirit, ingenuity, gracious smile, focus and dignity - his generous nature and sense of humor were always shining through.

Born in Philadelphia to a multi-generation family of Irish descent, Mr. O'Brien was raised in Newtown Square and lived in Villanova, PA, as well as Wellington and Delray, FL, before returning to Pennsylvania in recent years and settling in Phoenixville.  A 1957 graduate of Malvern Preparatory School, he received his post-secondary education from Cornell University and the Universidad de las Américas in México City. Early in his career, Mr. O'Brien worked at the O'Brien Machinery Co., founded by his grandfather, Frank L. O'Brien.  Seizing an opportunity presented by deregulation of the energy industry, Mr. O'Brien founded and operated O'Brien Energy Systems, an innovative environmentally friendly company that developed cogeneration fuel and waste projects, creating an alternate energy source.

While raising his family, with former wife Jane M. O'Brien, at the historic Red Rose Farm in Villanova, Frank shared his life-long interests in horsemanship, house restoration, art, and antique collectible cars with family and friends. An enthusiastic horseman, he introduced the "horsey" culture to his family, inspiring his children to learn the sport, and creating a lifelong shared interest in all things equestrian.  Frank spent weekends with his family attending horse shows and car shows while researching business ideas.  His interest in antique and exotic cars developed into a business and became a life-long passion he shared with his children, especially his two sons.  Known for their hospitality, the family entertained often and hosted fundraisers for their favorite charities, with the support of business colleagues, family, and friends.

Throughout his career, Mr. O'Brien was a supporter of many corporate and non-profit organizations including the Devon Horse Show, the Franklin Institute, the Radnor Hunt Races and Brandywine Conservancy, Rosemont College, the USET, and the Young Presidents' Organization. Mr. O'Brien placed an importance on heritage; he was a faithful Catholic, a proud American and Philadelphian, a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and he served in the U.S. Army.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, 10:30 A.M. at St. Matthias Church, 128 Bryn Mawr Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA. Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family at the Church at 9:30 A.M. Private interment.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to St. Matthias Church , Bala Cynwyd PA., the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation , or to the Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders Center Fund at Pennsylvania Hospital