Obituary: Michael J. O'Brien

The following is from Joyce Funeral Home.

Mr. Michael J. O'Brien, of Waltham, died on Monday, March 17, 2014 in his home surrounded by family. He was 62.

Michael was born in Galway, Ireland, on Sept. 30, 1951, a son of Mary (Connors) O'Brien and the late Alfred O'Brien. At the age of 5, he moved to the United States, living in Watertown for a short time before settling in Waltham. He graduated from Waltham Vocational High School in 1970 and then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. He studied at Sylvania Technical Institute and worked for over 38 years as an electronics technician at Raytheon in both Waltham and Andover.

He was proud of his heritage and loved all things Irish, especially its music. He worked hard to provide for his family but always made sure to be home in time to share dinner with them. He was a "jack-of-all-trades," and there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. The family looked forward to their trips together, especially to Cape Cod to visit and spend time at Mary O'Brien's home.

Michael was the husband of the late Noreen T. (Spracklin) O'Brien.

In addition to his mother, he leaves his children, James M. O'Brien of Waltham, Daniel W. O'Brien and his wife, Christina, of Watertown and Stephen J. O'Brien and his wife, Brooke, of Alabama; his granddaughter, Fiona O'Brien, and also leaves his girlfriend, Lori Arena, of Watertown.

Family and friends will honor and remember Michael's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Route 20), Waltham, on Thursday, March 20, from 3-7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:15 p.m. in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451.