Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Michael Scott O'Brien

Michael O'Brien Obituary

O'BRIEN, MICHAEL SCOTT Nov. 30, 1948 to Feb. 22, 2007
Michael Scott O'Brien died unexpectedly and tragically as a result of an automobile accident in Arizona, at the age of 58. He had been living in Rincon, PR for the past l 1/2 years and was returning to San Diego, eagerly looking forward to beginning a new phase of his life. Mike grew up in Middletown, NJ, the eldest of eight children. In 1967 he enlisted in the Air Force and served as an Air Traffic Control Specialist at Clark AFB, during the Vietnam Conflict. In 1971, he moved to San Diego, to attend USIU, Point Loma to study pre-law. Shortly before graduating, he decided to make his hobby of working on cars his career, eventually establishing San Diego Alfa Romeo. His love for Alfas developed into a joy of racing. He participated in many SCCA events and was a member of the Automovil Club de Ensenada. Though he won a number of trophies, his most prized was ACE'S Amigo del Ano, awarded to him in 1998. Besides racing, Michael loved to fly and earned his Multiengine Pilot's License and IFR Rating. Regrettably, he had to give up flying after a heart attack in 1997. Though flying was no longer an option, and he backed off from racing for a short time, he never had to give up his ultimate pastime - fishing with his good friends in Baja. He always looked forward to the fishing trips and gatherings afterwards to reminisce, tell tales and enjoy the fruits of their trip. A mentor and friend to many from all walks of life; a member of the Clairemont Town Council, serving as Treasurer in 2004; Neighborhood Watch Captain from 1975 - 2005; a man with an adventurous spirit and a big heart, Mike lived life to the fullest and was fond of claiming that he did more in a single day than most people do in a week. Though Michael is no longer among us, he will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew him. Michael is survived by his mother Carol; brother Kevin; brother Terry and his sons Ben and Pat; sister Susan and husband Don, their children Jacob and Corrina; sister Kathleen, and her children Linda, Kevin and David; sister Patricia and her son Thomas; sister Nancy; grandniece, Genevieve; nephew Erik; first wife Karen; his wife Ellen and his friends - too numerous to mention. Service will be at 2:00 p.m., April 6, 2007, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Brien

Sponsored by Ellen Mower O'Brien.

23 Entries

Karen O´Brien

March 12, 2025

Hey old friend,
Been a minute...time keeps marching on. I´ve always thought that by remembering those who have passed keeps a part of them with you. You will come to my thoughts out of the blue sometimes and wonder if you´re checking in. I like to think so. Cause I´m checking in on you too. You are not forgotten and definitely missed.
Hope you´re having a great adventure and we´ll meet up again sometime. Until then I will carry you in my heart.
Karen

an old friend

August 12, 2022

Your old friend needs you! You are not forgotten.

June 18, 2017

You have not been forgotten, Michael. 10 years.

Patricia OBrien

February 24, 2014

I miss you big brother! Kevin lives with me now and it is wonderful that you have been looking after us. I can't believe how many green lights we had this weekend going to Wilmington to clean up debris from the ice storm at the rental house...and that the big branch we took down missed the truck and me by inches - thank you for keeping us safe! Miss you bad...

Trish Olson

February 23, 2014

7 years ago we lost a wonderful kind gentle loving man.... We miss u Mikey.....til we meet again... Xoxo

Ellen Mower O'Brien

February 22, 2014

It's hard to believe that it's been 7 years since you were taken from us. I love you and miss you, Mike.

Eric & Theo

April 11, 2012

Just about 5 years ago to the day that we learned of your passing. Your god daughter, who was flower girl for you & Ellen is getting married in 3 months! We think of you often, Mike.

November 30, 2011

Happy Birthday my friend. All though much time has passed since I saw you last. You will always be right here in my heart.
Till we meet again.
Happy Trails,
Karen

November 30, 2010

Remembering you on your birthday...
Remembering you in life and for all time.
You live on in the hearts of those who love you.
Always,
Karen O'Brien

Leann Stammen

February 22, 2008

It's been a year today that we lost you. The hurt still hasn't subsided. We miss you more than ever. We love you. Thank you for making our lives better.

Jeff,Leann,Becki,Tawni,Jeffrey Joseph and Michael Thomas.

Karen O'Brien-Dorsett

May 22, 2007

Michael was a lifelong friend of mine.He had a great zest for life and was always up for further adventures.Although our relationship turned down many paths we always loved and supported each other through time. And I still do.
~Happy Trails Mike~
Miss you, till next time...
Love Always, Karen

Eric Maruniak

April 7, 2007

A close & dear friend to Eric since 1971 and to Theo since our marriage in 1981. Michael was always interested in and proud of our daughter, Autumn, his god daughter. We'll miss you so much, Mike.

Kathleen Shields

April 3, 2007

My childhood memories of Mike were that of amazement. He, being my eldest brother, was always coming up with things out of the ordinary. Like Nancy stated, he had a name for everybody. I was Rookus, so I called him Mookus in return. When we were kids, I remember he was always fixing a junker car in the huge family back yard. I remember he had a Fox he had (yeah, a fox! I don't remember why) I recall Dad offering a reward to find out how he was sucessfully sneaking out of the house at night. (a rope from his attic bedroom)
His life as an adult was even more amazing, living life to the max, always a story to be told.
Spread your wings and fly, my brother....
Miss you Mook,
Kathleen

Trish Olson

April 2, 2007

Mike you are missed more with each passing day. I now know why you brought back that lighthouse for me...You were my lighthouse when I needed you & it will always remind me of all the love & friendship that you gave so freely ...
My love is with you always. My sympathy to all who have lost you....Trish
ps. I know you are under a palm tree in heaven sipping a Corona with Tom...godspeed my dear friend

Nancy Obrien

March 31, 2007

My brother Michael was a very special and unique person. He had a nickname for everyone. When we were children he called me Zip and I called him Zorch. Everyone was some sort of cheese to him but he was the Head Cheese. Which is not really a cheese.
He was always willing to try new things no matter what. He use to do the Sudoku puzzles with Mom when he was here, and even went to the dog park with me even though dogs were not his favorite thing. What I remember most was what a gentleman he was. Always opening doors for women and pulling out chairs. On the day he left Wilmington in his suit and tie we hugged each other really tight and then hugged again and said "I love you!". I never thought that would be the last time I would see him on Earth. My heart is broken that he disappeared so fast into the night. Now I will have to wait to see him in Heaven.

Darren Blanchard

March 30, 2007

Mike was a good-hearted man that became a friend for may years; He amazed me by his assortment of friends and intelligence in many things. My condolences to all who knew him for our loss. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Patricia OBrien

March 28, 2007

My brother Mike...what can I say that will convey how I feel? The loss is so great that it physically hurts my heart sometimes. I was lucky enough to have Mike visit me in February - we went out and had a lot fun - walking on the beach,dinners, Superbowl Sunday, hanging with my girlfriends and, in Mike O'Brien tradition, he charmed the hell out of them. He actually got up on stage and sang Karaoke to Ozzie Ozborn one night!

My love goes out to all of his California friends which enriched his life so and of course, Ellen, whom he was closest to. I will see you all when my son and I fly out to say goodbye to my older and very much wiser brother on Good Friday. Love & Sunshine

March 25, 2007

Michael O'Brien was a mentor and a great friend. I worked for him at San Diego Alfa Romeo for several years and learned much more than how to fix Alfas. He inspired me to achieve greater things in life, and also taught me how to live life. Even now, years later, I often refer to his examples when making decisions and often make reference to his observations about life. Thank you for everything Mike.

Erik Wallen

March 22, 2007

Michael O'Brien was a poet, a teacher, and an artist, whether he admitted it or not. He was someone who took action. He was loyal. Outspoken. Trustworthy. And, now, he will surely be missed.

ruth hozeska

March 22, 2007

Ellen,I'm sorry for your loss. Michael lived life to the fullest.I will remember him for his creativity and love for life.

Becki Stammen

March 19, 2007

Michael, you were such a big part of everyone's lives and you will be dearly missed. You always made me laugh and we will forever be your "Angels!" We miss you.

Leann Stammen

March 18, 2007

We will never be the same without Michael. He was the best friend anyone could ask for. The way he loved and played will never be forgotten. We can only try to live our lives half as full as Michael did. We love you so much.

Danny & Arlyce Wells

March 18, 2007

Our deepest sympathy on your loss. We knew Mike for many years. He actually worked for us for a short time before he started his own business. He always kept in touch and swaped stories and parts on many alfas. He was a great friend and will truly be missed.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results