Michael O'Brien

Mike was a first generation American, born (1938) and raised in the Bronx, New York City, New York. His father, Patrick O'Brien emigrated from Ireland and married his mother, Janet Hannah who had emigrated from Scotland. Mike lost his father to lung cancer when he was only 19 years old. His mother, who spent the last several years of her life living with Mike, also died of cancer at 83 years old. Mike was very close with his older sister, Jean who passed away in 2002 in her home in the Bronx.

Eager to serve his country at 17 years old, Mike convinced his parents to let him join the Air Force as a minor, where he was stationed in Iwo Jima. Anyone who knows Mike understands his passion for WWII history. Walking with their father through the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon, Mike's kids were amazed by his knowledge of combat aviation history.

Upon his discharge, Mike took a job with Pan American airlines leading him to South Florida. After leaving the airlines Mike opened a pool cleaning business, married and started a family with Margaret (Peggy) Dickie. All three of his children currently live in the Portland, Oregon area. His oldest daughter, Lisa is married to Brian Shannon. They are the parents of Mike's 13 year old granddaughter, Ava Jean Shannon. Todd Patrick and Michael Merritt are Mike's 2 youngest sons.

Mike loved people and people loved Mike. His life was rich with friendships developed through decades of work in the automobile business where he held various management positions. In his free time, he could be found with friends on the golf course or spinning stories at the Moose Lodge. Beyond question, many of Mike's favorite experiences revolved around his love of sports: yes, he loved the Yankees and he loved the Dolphins, but some of his longest standing friendships developed out of solidarity as Notre Dame football fans.

In the month leading up to Mike's death he was deeply moved by the outpouring of support he received in the form of visits, cards, and phone calls - not to mention the stories told, prayers whispered, and thoughts and love sent from friends near and far that filled his heart with peace and belonging.

Mike worked for years to raise money for a fund established by his friend Jimmy Kleinrichart and his wife who lost their son in 1982 to Leukemia. If you are so inclined, please make a donation in memory of Michael A. O'Brien to the James Jr. Fund, Inc., c/o The Ark Restaurant, 6255 Stirling Road, Davie, FL 33314.

A service will be held for Mike on Friday, July 13th at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Visitation will be from 4:00pm-5:00pm with the service from 5-5:30pm. Interment will be scheduled at a National Cemetery in Oregon at a later date.