LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Edward F. O'Brien posthumously for his
distinguished service to the sport of horse racing to be celebrated at
Saratoga Race Course on July 31, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
the life and accomplishments of cherished citizens of the State of New
York who distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to
their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Edward F. O'Brien posthumously for his distinguished service to the
sport of horse racing; a horse race will be named in his honor at Sara-
toga Race Course and will take place on Sunday, July 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Edward Francis O'Brien died on October 13, 2015, at the age
of 59; and
WHEREAS, Born in the City of Albany, on August 23, 1956, Edward F.
O'Brien was the son of Eileen E. Ruth and John "Jack" T. O'Brien Jr.;
and
WHEREAS, Edward F. O'Brien made his radio debut during the show "Teen-
agers in Country Music" in 1970; his mother would drive him to station
WOKO Radio very early each Saturday morning with his younger sister,
Maureen, in tow; and
WHEREAS, Dusty Miller, the host, knew that this 14-year-old volunteer
was a special individual and was going to become an outstanding talent;
radio became Edward F. O'Brien's passion; and
WHEREAS, His booming voice, natural cadence, affability, quick wit,
jeopardy-like intelligence, inspiration and ability to connect with
people, made Ed a natural broadcaster and journalist; at the age of 15,
Edward F. O'Brien was hired by local radio personality, Don Weeks, of
WGY Radio; Don's guidance and friendship helped shape Ed's continuing
years in radio; and
WHEREAS, Boom Boom Brannigan from WABY Radio worked with Edward F.
O'Brien in the 1970s when radio was at its best; love for radio broad-
casting always stayed with him and he would jump back into radio in the
1990s at WTRY Radio; and
WHEREAS, Television sports broadcasting in the 1970s became Edward F.
O'Brien's path when he was hired part-time at WNYT TV, Channel 13. Ed's
incredible memory for sports statistics and his ability to create
excitement in his play-by-play, led to his full-time sports reporting
with Rip Rowan when he was hired by WTEN TV, Channel 10 in 1977; and
WHEREAS, During the late 1970s and early 1980s, sports broadcasting
and ESPN were on the cusp of something phenomenal and Edward F. O'Brien
envisioned the global potential; he could have become a big television
market-ESPN broadcaster, but when his daughter, Jaclyn, was born in
1983, he chose to be close to her in the Albany area and share in her
parenting; with his daughter he found the most happiness and was a
loving, kind, caring and protective father; and
WHEREAS, Edward F. O'Brien was fully involved in Bethlehem Tomboys
Softball as a manager, coach and cheerleader; his support and unwavering
devotion helped Jackie become a Division 1 softball player at The
University at Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Yankees and softball, Edward F. O'Brien
loved the ponies, especially racing at Saratoga Race Course; his tele-
vision family felt his enthusiasm as they listened every morning to his
horse knowledge from recounting former races to trying to handicap
upcoming Triple Crown stakes; and

WHEREAS, Edward F. O'Brien loved traveling to the Saratoga Race Course
with his brother, Dick, talking with patrons and betting exactas; and
WHEREAS, Edward F. O'Brien began his illustrious career with WRGB TV
in 1991 as a morning newscaster and producer; he co-anchored the morning
news with many exceptionally talented and supportive colleagues and
friends through his 24-year career at Channel 6; and
WHEREAS, His faithful viewers loved Ed's banter, presentation, intel-
ligence and genuine smile as they drank their first cup of coffee of the
day with him; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Edward F. O'Brien is survived by
his daughter, Jaclyn "Jackie" Bailey O'Brien; best friend, Kelly Wagner;
brothers, Richard (Barbara Fidanza) and Timothy; sisters, Mary O'Brien
Connair (Robin Troeger), Margaret O'Brien, and Maureen O'Brien McMullen
(Timothy); and several nieces and nephews, Richard O'Brien, Erin
O'Brien, Susan O'Brien Deeley (Paul), Cynthia O'Brien Kaiser (Joseph)
and Brendan O'Brien (Kelly Young); as well as great-nephews, Jack Kais-
er, P.J. and Matthew Deeley; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Edward F. O'Brien leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Edward F. O'Brien posthumously for his distinguished service to
the sport of horse racing to be celebrated at Saratoga Race Course on
July 31, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Edward F. O'Brien.