O’Brien, Eugene T. “Terry”

Eugene Terrence O’Brien ’78

Captain “Terry” O’Brien, USN (Ret.), of Fairfax Station, VA, died on Thursday, 25 February 2021, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 64 years old.

A native of Crofton, MD, Terry received a congressional appointment the Naval Academy from Maryland. At Annapolis, was a member of the Tenth Company, graduating with the Class of 1978.

Upon graduation, Terry served aboard numerous ships and staffs, highlighted by command of Pensacola (LSD-38) and the Nassau Amphibious Strike Group. During this time, Terry also earned a MA from The Catholic University of America and attended the Harvard Kennedy School as a National Security Program Fellow.

Retiring in 2005, Terry began his career in shipbuilding, first with Huntington Ingalls and then as Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs with Austal USA.

Terry served as chairman of Shipbuilders Council of America, as a Class of ’78 trustee and as Navy League National Capitol Council trustee.

Terry is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years, the former Wendy Ann Walters of Odenton, MD; their daughter, Kristen Prindle (Lieutenant Commander Kenny Prindle, USN); and two handsome grandsons, Connor and Colin.

A wake in Terry’s honor will be held at a later date when an easing of COVID restrictions will allow family and friends to attend. Interment will be at a later date at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for research, patient support and resources (pancan.org).