Leo Joseph O'Brien

Leo Joseph O’Brien, 27, was born on September 19, 1997, in Henderson, Nevada, and passed on November 24, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leo moved to Billings, Montana with his mother and soon-to-be adopting father June of 2003, at age 5. He attended Broadwater Elementary school. When his father asked him why all the girls say hi to him at school, he said, “everyone loves an orange head.” He officially became an O’Brien a few years later.

As a child, Leo loved building Legos with his dad, helping his mom in the kitchen preparing meals, and waiting for his dad to get off work to start a new adventure. Leo loved playing outside in the backyard with his mom and dad year-round. One of his favorites was building snow forts with his dad in preparation for snowball fights.

Leo was excited to learn he was going to be a big brother shortly before his family moved to Missoula. He was excited to have a little sister and loved her deeply. While in Missoula, he picked up his passion for fencing and art. He loved getting together with his cousins, Cora and Myra, spending hours playing with his sister and cousins.

Leo moved back to Billings with his family and attended Senior High, where he continued to grow his art skills. Leo participated in his schools Art Club, contributed to his school’s art show and volunteered at Yellowstone Art Museum.

Leo made many friends from age 0 to 70 due to his warm, silly, well-mannered, loving, and outgoing personality. Leo was a kind, passionate, and sensitive kid and young adult. As a young adult, Leo had his own plans for what he wanted to do in life. At the age of 20, he decided to move back to Las Vegas to be close to his grandmother. He lost his grandmother during the pandemic but opted to stay in Las Vegas until his passing.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Bonita Reed, and grandfather, Joseph O’Brien, who he loved greatly.

He is survived by his parents, David and Melanie O’Brien; his sister Elizabeth O’Brien; his grandmother Lynda Ann O'Brien, his uncles Matthew O’Brien, Daniel O’Brien, and Paul O’Brien; his aunts April Mettler, Shella Doerflein and Melissa Zappulla; his cousins Cora O’Brien and Myra O’Brien and many other extended family members. David, Melanie, and Elizabeth wish to thank their family, friends, and St. Nicholas Parish for their prayers, support, and encouragement through this difficult time. We love Leo and are devastated at his unexpected passing. Your love and kindness are greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tumbleweed.

Memorial services will be held at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Panikhida will be Friday, December 13th at 5:30pm. Funeral will be Saturday, December 14th at 10:00am, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Meal at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church following burial.