Peggy (DeRusso) O'Brien

FRANKFORT – Peggy (DeRusso) O’Brien, age 75, passed away rather unexpectedly on Friday, January 12, 2024, surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, and family. Born in Syracuse on October 13, 1948, Peggy was the daughter of the late Frank and Rosemary A. (Lee) DeRusso. As an adult, she received her associate degree from MVCC, an achievement which served as a testament to her fortitude and intelligence. At one time, she was wed to Dr. Richard O’Brien, and from that union came the blessing of their two daughters. As entrepreneurs, she and Richard established Reon Corporation, the area’s first software development and hardware support company for small business computers. Peggy ran the company’s day-to-day operations, creating a viable and successful business. She later spent over 20 years working at ACS, lastly as a Senior Transactions Processor, where she was admired and respected by her co-workers. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her as a loving and caring woman, who imprinted her laughter and wonderful sense of humor on so many people’s hearts. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity were known to all; these were her hallmarks which made her so unique. She was an amazing Mom, characterized by her selflessness and willingness to shepherd her children’s hearts and be their strength during hard times. Skilled at needlework, she loved to knit and crochet. She used these talents to show her love by creating many treasures for her loved ones. Her creativity was boundless and seen in the many things she made throughout the years and in the way she decorated her home for each season. Peggy made all of the holidays special, gathering with her children and grandchildren. She was a fabulous cook and her delicious meals added to the beautiful memories that they will now hold in their hearts. Peggy is survived by her two daughters and son-in-law, LauraLee and Michael Brimhall, and Kimberly Harvey; her grandchildren, Joshua Harvey, Ashley Harvey, and Richard Harvey, Jr., as well as their father, Richard Harvey, Sr.; Cayleigh Brimhall, Calvin Brimhall, Kiernan Brimhall, Nathaniel and Catherine Cua (Samara) Brimhall, and Brianna Brimhall; and her great-granddaughter, Ila Scavello. Her loss is also felt by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Katheryn “Kitty” DeRusso; and her sister-in-law, Brenda DeRusso. She fondly remembered her brother, Richard DeRusso, who passed away on August 23, 2021. She also leaves to cherish her memory her nieces and nephews, Christine and Chris Jordan-Smith, Tony and Jen DeRusso, Dina Peck, and Maryanne DeRusso-Albright; great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, Robert Novak, Sonny Novak, and David Novak and their families; in-laws, Joseph and Ora O’Brien, the late Nancy O’Brien, the late Timothy O’Brien and Irene, Terry and Phyllis O’Brien, Cheryl and Jack Cobb, Wade and Gloria Hamm, David and Rosemary Hamm, and Robin O’Brien; and a great number of dear friends whom she held close to her heart during her lifetime. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Gathering in Peggy’s honor, which will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, corner of Hammond Ave. In honor of Peggy’s life, the family graciously accepts floral arrangements.

Peggy (DeRusso) O'Brien

October 13, 1948 - January 12, 2024