Michael O'Brien Obituary

Michael William O'Brien, 73, of Boca Raton, Fl., formerly of Starke/Melrose, died peacefully April 16th, 2013 after an extended illness. He was born February 20th, 1940 in Miami, Florida. O'Brien was a state champion high jumper at Coral Gables high School. He attended Florida State University on a track scholarship where he met his wife of 48 years, Flora Slade, of Starke, Fl., whom has preceded him in death. He was the retired owner and President of O'Brien Environmental Services, Inc., an environmental equipment and construction company. O'Brien was active in numerous civic affairs. In Winchester, VA., he was chairman of the Northern Virginia National Foundation March of Dimes, Chairman of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Information Chairman of the Apple Blossom Festival, Governor appointed Chairman of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Industrial Development Committee. He served on several boards of the Boca Raton Rotary Club culminating with serving as President in 1985. During his service the club was honored to win the District Governor's Award for all four areas of service and the weekly bulletin. He was a two-time Paul Harris Fellow. In his church, he was active on the Vestry in several locations having served as Senior Warden at Trinity Episcopal Church, Melrose, Fl. He was an usher, taught Sunday school, and was Director of Education. He was also a member of the Cursillo Community. Survivors include three sons, W. Slade O'Brien (Brooke), James M. O'Brien, Patrick T. O'Brien (Tracey) and three grandchildren, Sullivan, Miles, and Greyson, all of Boca Raton, Fl.; a sister, Kathleen (Gerald) Henderson, of Gulf Breeze, Fl., and numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, April 27th under the guidance of St. Gregory Episcopal Church, Boca Raton, Fl. Interment will follow immediately in the St. Gregory Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (800-753-2873) or to Hospice by the Sea, Boca Raton, Fl. (561-395-5031).

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Apr. 21, 2013.
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May your Dad rest in peace, thinking of you all, God bless, David & Brenda

April 27, 2013

Jaime and I send our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. His memories will live on in your heart and mind and in time...you find a place of peace and gratitude for having him in your life.

Chris Collins

April 26, 2013

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