Michael J. ‘OB’ O’Brien
LOWELL Michael J. ‘OB’ O’Brien, 62, of Lowell, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Lowell General Hospital.
He was born in Lowell on March 12, 1956 and was a son of the late William H. O’Brien and the late Ruth E (Tanguay) O’Brien. He was raised in Lowell, where he attended the area schools, graduating from the Lowell Voke with the Class of 1975.
While growing up in the Highlands section of Lowell, he was a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish. As a young man he enjoyed playing darts throughout Lowell, and was a very talented skier, performing unheard of tricks and jumps on skis before they became popular. Later in life, he took great pride and enjoyment as a coach for Youth Lowell Soccer for over 15 years during the 1980’s and 1990’s.
He worked as a machinist at Spincraft and Raytheon for many years before his retirement in the early 2000's. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors, enjoying camping and fishing. He also enjoyed Irish Music and betting on horse races at Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. Most recently, Michael was a communicant of St. Rita’s Church in Lowell. His happiest moments in life were spending time with his pride and joy, his 2 grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Courtney Card and her husband, Peter of Ayer, and Sean O’Brien and his girlfriend, Gabi Furbay, of Ayer; his grandchildren, Arianna and Logan. He is also survived by his sisters, Sheila Boston and her husband, Cliff of Lowell, Michelle Colton and her husband, David of Lowell, and Marlene Hillman and her husband, David of Chelmsford; his former wife and close friend, Karen (Lovetere) O’Brien of Bolton; and many nieces and nephews.
Michael was predeceased by his grandparents the late Estelle and Joseph Mellen, who were instrumental in his upbringing.
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019, YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS FROM 8 UNTIL 10 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816. HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. RITA’S CHURCH, 158 MAMMOTH ROAD, LOWELL, AT 11 A.M., FOLLOWED BY A LUNCHEON. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS IN MICHAEL’S NAME MAY BE MADE TO: JDRF, 26 BROADWAY, 14TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10004.
