Michael J. O'Brien

MCDONALD – Michael J. O’Brien, 78, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, March 3, 2019.

Michael was born Aug. 21, 1940, in Youngstown, the son of the late Peter and Beulah Miller O’Brien. He was a graduate of McDonald High School and lived his entire life in the Village of McDonald.

Mike married “his bride,” Mary Koncsol O’Brien, on Feb. 8, 1964, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Michael served for four years in the United States Coast Guard, and was honorably discharged in 1967 as a Machinist’s Mate, 2nd Class. He retired from his work life in 1999 after being employed for 35 years as a Sprinkler Fitter for Local No. 669.

Mike loved and served his community in many ways. For 28 years, he was a volunteer firefighter for the Village of McDonald and, in 1994, Mike began his first term as a Village Councilman. He was re-elected six times, and was serving his 26th year in office at the time of his passing.

He enjoyed working in the yard, especially in his garden, and tinkering in his garage. Michael loved watching his children and grandchildren as they participated in their sports and activities, and he spent decades as an avid fan of McDonald High School’s cross country and track & field teams. He and Mary spent their retirement years as treasure hunters and connoisseurs of unique finds at garage sales, flea markets, and auctions.

Mike’s words of wisdom, honesty, and support will truly be missed by all who knew him. His family and friends will fondly remember to “always conduct themselves in an orderly manner” and to “carry on.”

Mike was a proud father of four daughters, or as he always referred to them, “his girls,” Mary Michele (Rick) Dunn of Youngstown, Patricia O’Brien of Austintown, Elaine (Chris) Rupe of Cortland, and Lisa (Darrel) Zeck of Terre Haute, Ind.. He was a proud
grandfather of 10 grandchildren, Emily and Nina Dunn, Connor Stevens, Brenna,
Braden, Brody, and Bria Rupe, and Devon,  Lauren, and Dylan Zeck. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Jackie (Richard) Ferraro of Girard.

Michael was preceded in death by sisters, Cookie Houlette and Sally Gunyula.

A celebration of Michael’s life is being planned for a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home on South State Street in Girard.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.