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Mark O'Brien Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Mark O'Brien
75 Entries
Colleen Mooney
June 22, 2025
y! For some reason I decided to try and find you all again. So sad to hear Marks life was cut so short. I have soooooo many memories of you all. Babysitting your girls and the birthday party you had for me that I never attended . Mark, Mark Mark bigger than life and the best person to work with and for. So many good times in New Orleans. Much love to you and the girls
Kim Lee
September 28, 2005
Dear Moey and Girls,
I was so sad to hear that Mark has passed away, Our Erin just told me yesterday and I feel badly that I wasn't able to send my condolences sooner.
Although I didn't know Mark real well I knew that he had a great sense of humor and such a love of family. I remember that he loved coaching the girls baseball teams as well. Your family was always so kind to my Erin. Letting her swim at the Hyatt pool and the many fun activities she was able to do with all of you. One of my best golfing memories was playing the Hyatt course with you, which of course was arranged by Mark. Your husband was a very generous man and showed that in many ways and to so many people. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you, Erin, Caitlyn and M.C. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Kim, Bob, Erin and Scott Lee
Brian Jarmy
September 8, 2005
I didnt know mark very well personally except for the fact that we both had the same passion for notre dame football. I worked for mark at the Hyatt and he was a great man to work for and he always made time to talk to me even though i was just a bellman. I know he would have been thrilled to see the Irish play like they did. Best wishes to Erin, Caitlin, and Mrs. O'Brien.
Kristine Michalson
July 30, 2005
Moey and girls, I still can't find the right words to express my thoughts to you on the passing of a most wonderful man. I guess this weekend being the Hall of Fame inductions in Cooperstown somehow makes me remember him even more because I remember his love for baseball and how often we talked about the Orioles and the Ripken streak. I've never known anyone who loved life and his family more genuinely and honestly than Mark did. I can still picture him with his cup of coffee (or 'cuppa Joe'as he called it), stopping in the offices on a Saturday with his baseball cap on to catch up and talk sports, or what you girls were up to. (and only Mark and Sue B had the rights to call me 'Mikilson', never just Kris!) We still talk about you girls and your Girl Scout cookie sales and how we marked our calendars for that ! No one had a bigger heart than Mark or a more passionate soul for what is good in life. He never compromised his beliefs. I know that when he asked 'how ya doing' he really wanted to know and cared. I remember the last time you all were in town and you stopped by the offices..it was a good memory of 'old times'. So thank you all for sharing your husband and father with so many of us...hopefully those of us that knew him and worked with him learned something from him as he tried to make us better people with the examples he set in life. So tomorrow when I watch the Hall ceremonies, I'll think of Mark and raise a 'cuppa Joe' to a true Hall of Famer.
With love and good memories, K
Ryan Walton
July 16, 2005
Dear. Mark i am sorry that you have left so soon. i just wish i got to here you voice one more time. i loved you very much even though i didn't show it i hope you and govie are waiting for i love love you so much
Love Ryan Walton
Rebecca Perkins Moreno
June 7, 2005
Moey and family,
I am so shocked and saddened at your loss. Mark was a wonderful man and devoted husband and father. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Anna O'Brien-Samons
June 5, 2005
I send my condolences to all the O'Brien Family. Although I did not know Mark, I did know his dad, J. Paul O'Brien;I used to work with Paul years ago and found him to be a very kind and helpful person. Although we were never sure that we were related, he still treated me as though we were. If Mark was anything like his dad, then he was truly a remarkable and special person.
Anna O'Brien-Samons
Newberry, Florida
[email protected]
Julie Yost
May 23, 2005
Mark O'Brien was such a warm, friendly, and genuine man and father. I was completely shocked to find out about his sudden heart attack. The first time I met the O'Brien family was on my orientation to UK & was lucky enough to be seated next to their family who helped calm my parents fears of sending their eldest to college. Mr. O'Brien personally arranged for me to stay with his daughter in Donovan Hall at the request of my father :) He & his family invited me to dinner all the time, dropped off food and amenities to Erin & I, gave my family & I free nights in wonderful rooms at the Hyatt, and we even played a practical joke on his family one time at the Waffle House. He was such a fantastic man, such an inspiration to everyone he met, a caring and loving husband to Mrs. O'Brien, and a great father to his 3 beautiful young girls. My prayers and sympathy are extended to his family.
Linda Cirulli-Burton
May 16, 2005
The O'Brien Family and the Cirulli Family of Elmira, New York were similar in many ways - including the fact that Pat O'Brien was the oldest of seven children and I was the oldest of seven. We were and are best friends to this day. The physical loss of Mark is as though we have ourselves lost a beloved brother. To the O'Brien clan, to Moey, your beautiful daughters, and the Sheehan clan, the Cirulli family of Elmira and Gainesville holds you in our hearts with great love and compassion. You are not alone in your sorrow. You are loved everywhere and we are hugely blessed to know you.
With deepest regards,
Armand, Frances, Linda, Debbie, Joe, Dan, Ro, Mike, and Crissy Cirulli
May 16, 2005
Mark O'brien is a great man who I know has touched hundreds of people in his life. He not only was a boss & mentor but was a father figure and friend to me. It is so hard to still believe he is gone, but I do believe he will always be with us in spirit watching everything he has taught us with a smile on his face. Thank you Mark for being that motivator.
Shaun Laine
Hyatt Regency Lexington
Brandon and Jill Maxwell
May 14, 2005
Moey & girls: We are so grateful to have been a part of your lives since Tahoe. Though our physical paths haven't crossed in awhile, we have thought of each other at funny times! Your ever-present smiles, cheerful readiness and incredible hearts will make Mark's life and love and warmth endure. We pray for your hearts' heavy burdens and wish for you all that we wish for our own: health, wealth, happiness and success always. Our deepest condolences and greatest prayers for you all as well as for your extended families. Always,
Dave & Brenda Morenc
May 11, 2005
We offer our sympathy to the O'Brien Family. The world we live in is diminished by Mark's passing. Cherish his memory, for he is not truely gone as long as he is remembered.
Danielle O'Brien
May 10, 2005
Uncle Mark, you have taught me so many things. You have always been so amazing. Mark has had a lasting effect on my life. I will always be thankful to him for everything. The world has lost an increidble person who has the biggest heart I've ever known. My heart goes out to my cousins. I cannot imagine the pain they are going through. Moey, Erin, Caitlin and MC, you are in my prayers and thoughts always. I love you guys so much! Thank you Uncle Mark! I love you and will miss you!
meggie wilson/Denicola
May 10, 2005
Moey&Girls
We are so sorry to hear about Mark,He was a great man!Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.If there is anything we can do for you just let us know,I hope to see you when you come home.
Mary Tess O'Brien McDade
May 10, 2005
My love and prayers go out to his large and loving family. I am an aunt and must express my shock and sorrow at his premature death. O'Brien cousins, their families and the McDade family add our condolences. He will be in our thoughts and prayers more than you can know.
Mrs. J. Edwin O'Brien
May 10, 2005
Although I am 98, I can still remember my nephew Mark at age 4 or 5 when he came to stay at my house on Waverly Hill. His home on Pine Street had very little lawn. He asked" Can I take off my shoes and run around in your grass?" He ran around for an hour! I know that he was a big help to his mother on his trips home to Elmira, fixing things and doing a million jobs to help her at the house. He was a good boy and I am very that we lost him so soon.
Jessica and Chris Nikolich
May 9, 2005
Chris and I worked for Mark at the Hyatt Regency Lexington. Wow! What an incredible man and what a blessed family! We send our condolences but want you to know that Mark has touched our lives and the life of so many others that he will live on and be remembered forever! May God give you strength.
Joe O'Brien
May 9, 2005
A Tribute to Mark O’Brien
May 2, 2005 Lexington, KY
By: David O'Brien
Coach Griggs stopped by Saturday to present the gameball for the Lexington Catholic’s 200th win.
Congratulations and thank you.
I think Mark would have said, “Isn’t that a hoot”.
Mark liked sports and thought that sports can teach us a few things about this game of life.
Let’s see what some of those lessons might be.
First and most important:
“There’s no crying in baseball!”
Second, Mark felt that everyone was welcomed to play. Everyone can contribute. Everyone has a chance to shine.
Mark welcomed each of us…at his home, on his teams, in his hotels.
He was the perfect dad, the best of innkeepers.
Sports teach us about loyalty and devotion and no one was more loyal or devoted than Mark.
He picked his teams carefully and stuck with them. Often times his teams had like Baltimore, Notre Dame, Kentucky or Lexington Catholic. He knew each line-up from top to bottom.
His best team though was his family and had a roster that always started with Moey, Erin, Caitlin and Mary Colleen.
Sports are about overcoming fear. Like the fear every teenage boy should have when asking a Sheeham girl for a date. A Sheeham girl with 7 sisters, two brothers, a mom called “Gooey” and a dad they call the “Governor”.
It is about a 16 year old boy finding the love of his life and having the courage to love her each and every day, and forever.
Mark also believed in fundamentals…paying attention to the little things. He like sacrifice bunts, clean lobbies, common courtesy.
He knew that the best are built on solid fundamentals, understanding that it was the 6th man or the bottom of the order that won championships.
Yes, he admired stars, but he more loved the right fielder who saved the day with the game winning catch.
Sports require discipline, knowing your role, staying inbounds…doing the right thing. Mark showed us discipline, not on his sleeve, but instead quietly, a man of few words and no ego. He made his rounds, kept his appointments, served his community, his church and his family.
As most of you have said, “Mark was as nice a guy as you will ever meet”.
Mark approached life with simplicity. He mowed his lawn once a week and always attended mass. He fixed his own house, shined his own shoes.
And while Mark was a trained chef capable of making a gourmet feast, he ate simply, preferring the basics…meat and potatoes.
He never ate mayonnaise, cauliflower and certainly no Gouda cheese.
Mark would also say that sports can teach us about composure…staying calm, keeping focused.
Mark never yelled. Never
Regardless of the circumstances, he was a pillar of stability.
Mark approached a two run deficit in the bottom of the ninth, the same way he approached an ice storm. Poised. Always poised.
Lastly, sports teach us to have heart…to go on against the greatest odds, to play for the love of the game.
And yes, Mark truly had heart.
He loved the Hyatt, was proud of the Campbell House. He loved his staff…the bellman, the waiters, the reservation clerks, all of you. And he knew you all by your first name.
He loved his family – All the O’Briens and the Sheehams.
Especially - Moey, Erin, Caitlin and Mary Colleen.
Let me close by reading something Mark may have read to his girls may times at the start of their softball games:
Some people think softball is just a game.
They are wrong!
Softball is about reaching deep inside yourself to catch a ball that can’t be caught…
And hit a pitch that can’t be hit.
It is about the soul.
Softball is about bad hops, bad breaks, bad throws…and bad calls
It is about striking out and making errors.
It is about overcoming all of those things.
Softball is about kids who become stars…
Stars who become heroes…
And heroes who become…Legend
Mark was our Hero.
Now he is our Legend.
God Bless You Bro, I will miss you.
Jeannette Lindsey
May 9, 2005
My Dearest O'Brien Family,
My heart broke for you all when we found out about Mark. Justine considered Mark a second Dad and she will miss him terribly. She told me the other day that he gave her a batting glove for her birthday and that she felt it was going to bring her good luck. Girls, you should be proud of your Father, he loved the three of you so much and every time he talked about you all, he always had that twinkle in his eyes.
Moey, know that your friends are all here for you when you needs us. We love you all and think about you constantly.
May God be with you and give you strength.
Bob Hodgson
May 5, 2005
I did not know Mark, but I know his Brother, Joe, and if Mark was anything like him, the world has lost another great person. My condolences go out to all of his family.
Bob Hodgson
Honeywell
Lynn Dickerson
May 5, 2005
I grew up next to the O'Briens on Coldbrook Drive. I was about 10 years younger than Mark. I babysat a few times for a couple of the grandchildren when the family came home for Christmas and went to midnight mass. I believe one of the children was Erin.
I have a funny/happy memory to share. When we were little, my sister and I and some of our friends used to occasionally hang around and bug the O'Brien boys when they were outside washing cars in the driveway. One day, after they had finished washing a car Mark and David went inside their house and hung their heads out of an upstairs window and called us over. Then, out of fun and completely to our surprise, they threw a bucket of water out the window at us. We were all soaked, and they laughed hysterically. I think they hoped that it would teach us a lesson to leave them alone, but if I remember correctly we just thought it was funny and liked the idea that they were paying attention to us since we were so much younger.
God Bless the O'Brien family. May memories keep him alive in your hearts forever.
Peggy Morseman (Hughes)
May 5, 2005
Moey,
Words can not express my sorrow when I heard of Mark's passing. Please know that you and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers. Mark will always be close to you. Let the wonderful memories and stories keep him in your heart. I pray that God gives you His strength and love.
Tina Canali (Muccigrosso)
May 4, 2005
Moey and Family:
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart for you, your girls and all of Mark's family. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Let your faith guide you during these difficult days ahead.
Ted Dickerson
May 4, 2005
Moved into my home on Coldbrook Drive, Elmira, in 1965, next to the O'Brien's. The boys were in their back yard and I was in mine, and within 10 minutes, we were throwing the football back and forth. Before long we had a football game and I broke my leg, turning a corner, trying to keep away from the O'Brien boys. The silence was deafening as I fell and everyone heard the bone break.
Neighbors came out and knew something was wrong, just Ted breaking his leg.
The boys would come over, knock on the door and ask my wife, "Can Teddy come out and play?" (I always did.)
This is just a very small rememberance of the good times I had with great neighbors, the O'Briens. God speed, Mark. And my He comfort all of you.
Tommy Aldridge
May 3, 2005
Joe,
Be comforted with the knowledge that the Lord is with you and your family in this time of loss. Please find strength in knowing that your family is being lifted up to God in prayer.
Remember that the Lord is faithful and the Lord is faithful all the time.
Mary Beth O'Brien
May 3, 2005
Dear Moey and the girls,
I am so sad right along with you, but the wonderful memories and stellar example of Mark's life will bring our families great comfort, in time. He always was very kind, patient and a good listener. I remember when he came to one of my ballets at St. Mary's and he brought 12 potted mum plants that the Hyatt was going to pitch to wish me luck in the show. He was very practical - remember when he siphoned the bath water to water your lawn? Remember when you went to 7 Eleven for slurpies in a limo for your 12th birthday? There are so many wonderful memories for you to recall so I hope they will bring a smile to your face. I kmow he is smiling at you right now as he loved you so very much.
God bless you!
Love,
Mary Beth
Lucie Swain
May 3, 2005
To the girls,
I must say that I was truly shaken by this news, and I regret that I am immersed in finals in St. Louis, because otherwise I would be in Lexington to express my condolences. I will never forget all of our softball memories and adventures. Coach O'Brien will truly be missed. I extend my heart to all of you and wish you strength.
carol&Robert Krohn
May 3, 2005
Dear Moey and girls,
We want to extend our sympathy to your entire family. We will remember Mark for his wonderful fun outlook on life. His never ending passion for the our girls softball teams. We were so happy to have had your entire family at Nikki and Rusty's wedding in Dec 2003. It meant so much to see all of you. We would love to have you come stay with us in Orlando for a get away, when you are ready to travel. Friends for ever, here on our journey on earth, and to be continued in heaven, and Mark is truley enjoying his time with the Lord...you can be sure of it. He was a Godly man. Love Bob and Carol Jean, Nikki, and Chelsea Krohn
carol&Robert Krohn
May 3, 2005
Dear Moey and girls,
We want to extend our sympathy to your entire family. We will remember Mark for his wonderful fun outlook on life. His never ending passion for the our girls softball teams. We were so happy to have had your entire family at Nikki and Rusty's wedding in Dec 2003. It meant so much to see all of you. We would love to have you come stay with us in Orlando for a get away, when you are ready to travel. Friends for ever, here on our journey on earth, and to be continued in heaven, and Mark is truley enjoying his time with the Lord...you can be sure of it. He was a Godly man. Love Bob and Carol Jean
Desiree Walker
May 3, 2005
I was fortunate to work with Mark O'Brien at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in the mid 1980's as his Administrative Assistant. Being new in my position, Mark arrived and became my mentor. Encouraging me to enhance my knowledge, become computer literate and even placed me in a position to train our new staff on our hotel system. He always believed in me and I missed Moey, Erin, Caitlin, Mary Colleen and mostly Mark when they moved to Florida. They had become a part of my family. I would have never had the tools to complete a 20 year career with Hyatt without Mark O'Brien's guidance and encouragement. He will be truly missed on this earth.
Moey, Erin, Caitlin & Mary Colleen, find comfort with each other and just know your husband and father was a very special human being that who ever had the luck to meet him was truly blessed.
Our deepest sympathies to you all,
Pat, Desi and Taylor Walker
Hazel Forsythe
May 3, 2005
The department of Nutrition and Food Science and especially its Hospitality and Tourism program deeply regrets Mark's loss. He was a strong supporter of students working toward a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. He shared his expertise, experiences and good nature with faculty and students and gave of his time to the HMT advisory board to help in advancing the program and nurturing the newest crop of HMT professionals. We will truly miss him. Our deepest sympathy to you all Maureen, Erin, Caitlin, and Mary Colleen. Please take comfort from the fact that Mark was a highly respected member of our university community and has made a difference in the lives of our students.
Hazel Forsythe, Department Chair
Nick ( O'Brien) Leszyk
May 3, 2005
Mark, I still have the Wendy's gift certificates you gave me at Christmas...along with the Burger King, McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. You drove all over on christmas eve to get these for me and make sure I had the best christmas ever. You and Mo were so cool, and the girls were the sisters I never had. Every time you came to Elmira we would have Pudgies pizza and shoot the breeze. You must have gotten frequent flyer miles to heavan in your lifetime. It really stinks that Pope John Paul transferred you to run the Vatican in heavan. I bet that lobby shines!
Patty O'Brien
May 3, 2005
Moey -
It was a true shock to hear about Mark's premature death. Molly and I (the twins) were definitely the youngest of the bunch and remember him fondly. I recently watched some "O'Brien home movies". One of those movies had Mark in it - we were at O'Briens Inn at Christmas. Mark must have been 19 or so...he was smiling as always. It confirmed my positive memories and convinced me that "irish eyes truly do smile" - his certainly did. My heart goes out to you and the girls.
Patty
Sue (Underwood) LaVelle
May 3, 2005
Moey and family,
From your Notre Dame classmates and the Notre Dame High School Alumni Council in Elmira, New York, we send our deepest sympathies. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Ken Edwards
May 3, 2005
My sympathy and prayers go all to all of the O'Brien Family.
dawn connolly
May 2, 2005
he was a good man to all and will be missed
Harold Matherne
May 2, 2005
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Joe's brother. I will keep the entire O'Brien family in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Maggard
May 2, 2005
My family & I send our deepest sympathy to the O'Brien family. I had the pleasure of working with Mark at the Hyatt in Lexington for seven years and he was a fine man to work with.I know he loved his family and his presence will be missed.
Judy Nave
May 2, 2005
Moey & Girls:
Mark was like a breath of fresh air at the hotel. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. He provided all of us a lot of guidance and encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need. You all are a great family!
Bill & Blanche O'Brien
May 2, 2005
Dear Moey,
Bill and I were very sorry to hear of your loss, Please accept our deepest sympathy. You and your family are in our prayers.
Leo Kessel and Brenda Grisham
May 2, 2005
To Mark's Family,
I am a Partner with Mark's brother Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to makse sense of your husband and father's death. My father passed away 44 years ago on April 29th and I still don't fully understand why but take comfort from knowing that it was part of God's master plan. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing he is with God now. With our deepest sympathy. Leo and Brenda
Mike Mokhtarian
May 2, 2005
Joe,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your brother Mark.
May god bless and be with you and every member of your family.
You and your family are in our prayers at these difficult times.
Mike Mokhtarian
Molly O'Brien Fontanella
May 2, 2005
Moey, Aunt Mary Jane and to all my cousins -
What a shock to the family! I wanted to send a note to tell all of you that I was thinking of you.
As one of the youngest in the bunch (one of "the twins") I have fond memories of Mark at our holiday parties at O'Brien's Inn. All I can remember is being surrounded by great looking cousins and they were all picking on Patty and I. It was a lot of fun! As I became older, I always remembered Mark because he was the cousin with the great smile that always had a tan at Christmas time :)
My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
Larry Tabron
May 2, 2005
In the these sad times it is a blessing to know that God knows best. Earth is just a stop along the way to eternal happiness in heaven. May god bless you and yours.
Patrick & Wynnvan Holleran
May 2, 2005
Moey, Erin, Caitlin & Mary Colleen
On behalf of myself, Wynnvan, Meghann, Brandon and the whole Holleran family I want to extend our deepest sympathy. I know how devastating your loss feels and I pray that God's love will comfort and strengthen you. Mark was an incredible man who touched many lives with his sensitive and gentle nature. He was a man of class and integrity, who cared about people and was not afraid to show it.
Mark was my good friend and my heart feels an emptiness at his passing. I hope you can feel the love of family and friends to help you get through the your pain and suffering.
With Deepest Sympathy and Love,
Julio Shelby
May 2, 2005
Teresa and I send our deepest sympathy to you and want you to know you’re in our prayers.
Brendan McCarthy
May 2, 2005
I am very shocked by this sad news. I had the privilege of working with Mark for a few months when he came to the Campbell House, he was a good person and great boss. I am very sorry for the loss.
Maria Tsagaris
May 2, 2005
The entire O'Brien family is in the thoughts and prayers of the Honeywell TAC. We are deeply grieved to hear of the loss of Joe's baby brother.
Michael Connolly
May 2, 2005
Still hard to believe.I have had the pleasure of working for Mark at the Hyatt and the Crowne Plaza in Lexington.He was very much a people person when it come to his employees.I will miss his get it done and have fun attitude.My sympathies to the family.
Ed and Beverly O'Brien
May 1, 2005
Dear Moey,
Beverly and I were shocked at Mark's premature death. We love Mark. We have wonderful memories of Mark at the Christmas parties at O'Brien's Inn. My visit with Mark when he was Managing the Hyatt in Lexington was also very special.
Our hearts go out to you and your children.
Jim Van Brunt
May 1, 2005
Moey, I know that this is an incredibly difficult time for your family. Rest assured that Mark left a part of him with everyone he touched in this world. Although I haven't seen him since I graduated from Notre Dame in 1973, my Mom's call tonight brought back fond memories of Mark from those years.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Cogswell
May 1, 2005
Moey,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Cogswell
Jan Lazar
May 1, 2005
I am so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I worked in concierge at The Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando under Mark when he was Rooms Exec. I spoke with a few others who were in my department today, Iris and Christine and we talked about our memories of him. We are shocked and our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sonya Curren
May 1, 2005
Please except my deepest condolences to all family and friends of Mark O'brien. I had the opportunity to meet Mark through the Hyatt Job shadowing program. I teach a Hospitality Career Major at Woodford County High School. For the past 5 years my students and I were blessed with the opportunity to meet Mr. O'Brien. He and his staff had provided one of the most educational and rewarding programs for high school students that I have been involved in. Yes, this was a big "field trip"! Obviously so when all of my students would say it was the best field trip they had ever been on, they learned so much about the hospitality industry. Well, how could they not when their host was Mark O'Brien. He presented to my students how a Professional is to conduct oneself in the world of business and really impressed my students as to what a career could be like in hospitality along with the opportunities available to them. Just this December Mark helped my class out by providing a very last minute field trip to the Crown Plaza, he said Sonya, "What do we need to do to make this happen?" He pulled it off with his staff and again made a lasting impression on the students fortunate to attend! Thanks for your contribution to my students educational experiences, you have helped inspire !!! What a gift!!
Linda Meinhart/Jim Reed
May 1, 2005
We both worked with Mark for a couple years when he was Rooms EX. @ The Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando. What a delight he was-every morning, rain or shine he was our "Irish" smiling Rooms Ex. He was fair, fun and thought alot of the staff. He, along with Jack Hardy MADE the Grand Cypress what it is-a 1st class Resort destination and a Hyatt that is 1st class in Service and staff. His death is a great loss to all of his friends and his "Hyatt" family. Our Sincere Sympathy to his wife, daughters and family. May God Bless them in this time of sadness.
Dan & Mary (Hughes) Sullivan
May 1, 2005
Mo and girls,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Classmates from NDHS class of '74.
Mary Van Brunt-Piehler
May 1, 2005
Moey, My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family at this most difficult time. I will always remember Mark for his kindness.
Dwayne Wallace
May 1, 2005
I had the privalage of working for Mark, in the engineering department at the Hyatt hotel in Lexington, Ky.He was a very nice, calm, cool, and collective man. even under the most eventfull, and trying times.He was well liked by all!I can still vividly, picture him with his morning cup of coffee and smile, greeting fellow employees.
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!!!
Patrick O'Brien
April 30, 2005
What a shock! Aunt Tess sent out the obit and I just read it this morning. I feel so sorry for Mark's family. My deepest condolensces to the entire family.
We "younger" O'Briens always looked up to Mark and his brothers, boys who grew up in the "big" city, unlike us Waverly folk.
Mark will surely be dearly missed.
Eileen Lichardus
April 30, 2005
I met Mark when he was my daughter Amy's boss at the Hyatt Grand Cypress...her respect for this man was so evident in all of our conversations and when he attended Amy and John's wedding 11 years ago, he took the time to come and ask ME if I needed anything?...I jokingly said "yes, a Pina Colada" and before he brought me one..he asked Amy if it was o.k.? This is just one action of a man who obviously cared about people.
Eileen Lichardus
Jimmy Durham
April 30, 2005
I met Mark O'Brien during the 2001 softball season. He was always very gracious in his comments about my team and their accomplishments. Since that 2001 encounter, I always made it a priority to speak to him every time we played Lexington Catholic, stayed at the Hyatt, or attended the East/West All Stars. Bob Griggs introduced us the first time, but Mark led you to believe you knew him your whole life. He truly was a friend to fast-pitch softball in KY and his efforts will be sorely missed. Without hesitation, after any encounter with Mark O'Brien, you became a better person. North Laurel Softball and myself send our deepest regards.
Pam Jones
April 30, 2005
Deepest Sympathy
Pam Jones
becky hogan
April 30, 2005
To the O'Briens; May God bless and be with each and every one of you. You are in my prayers.
Danny & Wendy Haney
April 30, 2005
If we think of the top 10 people in our lives Mark would have to be at the top of that list...we can not even think of words to express how much we valued him as a friend. Our friendship began many years ago with his involvement at Lexington Catholic. One of the reasons The 5/3 Bank Kentucky Holiday Classic has its terrific reputation today is because of Mark and his willingness to provide such wonderful hospitality to the many teams who have traveled to Lexington. His staff at the Hyatt was so reflective of him and his desire to provide the best service treating everyone like they were a friend. You could tell his employees loved working for him as he treated them like friends. It showed in their work! Service with a smile is what you received! Since we have left Lexington, we always looked forward to our visits home, staying at the Hyatt and having a visit with Mark. We just knew that the Crowne Plaza was on its way, with Mark in charge, to being the best of the best Lexington has to offer! We were looking forward to visiting with him there. Mark's favorite quality in "Coach Haney" was his ability to get Mark to buy him lunch...he would laugh when he told me about how Coach would call him up and say "lets do lunch" and Mark would have to buy! The most expensive thing on the menu too!!!! There are so many stories and fond memories! His dedication and involvement in many areas at Lexington Catholic will always be remembered. He had a calmness about him that we found very nice...chatting about his family always brought a smile to his face and a funny story. We so enjoyed those chats too! His love for sports was apparant...always questioning Coach Haney and Coach Todd on their out-of-bounds plays... I guess we will have to now,in his memory, add that play he kept bugging us about and call it the O'brien special! He was just a dear friend who we will terribly miss! Our deepest sympathy and love to his family and many other friends!
Steven Verrette
April 30, 2005
My family and I are extremely sorry for your loss. We know how difficult, confusing, and frustrating it is to lose a member of your family. We will always be here for you.
The Dunlavey's
April 30, 2005
Moey,
There are no words that can heal your pain. I know it is hard to understand, but God does have a plan and a reason for everything. Just keep hold of your faith and your family will carry you through the dark days. I can still see Mark trimming those bushes down on Euclid each and every day that I go to work. We love you guys dearly. Love, The Dunlavey's
Rocky, Kay, Lucie & Courtney Swain
April 30, 2005
Mark was a wonderful and giving man...always with a smile on his face. We remeber the fun we all had on the Northern girls softball team with Lucie and Caitlin.
We want to send you our love express our deepest sympathy to all of you. Pope John Paul answered to the question of why we have suffering in our lives, and responded "so that God will see an outpouring of love". We send you our love and know that you will be surrounded by those who love you and loved Mark.
Jim McAlister
April 30, 2005
I'm still in shock! I just want to say that I have never met a man quite like Mark. His caring for others really impressed me. I know he was really devoted to his family but seem to find time for others. His personality was second to none. If there is anything I can do, please let me know and thank you Bob Griggs for introducing Mark to me four years ago. I know I will miss Mark more than anyone could believe, it's sad that our friendship was just bloooming and had to end so soon. The only way I can believe this is...is that the Lord is coming soon and needed someone like Mark on his team now. Because he was a team leader in the truest since of the word.
Mary Mohlenkamp
April 30, 2005
Moey, Erin, Caitlin, and MC...
While we feel that he has left us too soon, I hope you can take comfort that your husband and dad has given so much and touch so many lives--- his legacy and memories are treasured gifts to all of us.
My deepest sympathies,
Mary Mohlenkamp- his previous Director of Sales at the Hyatt Regency Lexington
larry spillman
April 30, 2005
I worked with Mark at the hyatt in lexington.He was always very well liked and respected by all employees here.It came as a great shock to us that we had lost our long time leader and friend.My heart felt condolences go to marks family,may god be with you during this time of sorrow.
Abbie O'Brien
April 30, 2005
Mark, you taught me many things: how to throw a football, how to ride my bike, that Pudgies pizza was the best, that cleaning up the house will make Mom happy (even if you broke curfew!) and that the best Easter candy was plain old chocolate Malt Balls. You let me wear your old football jerseys and when I joined a team, you were proud when I wore your #20. So, now big brother, I can finally give you some advice: stand straight, and look St. Peter in the eye when he talks to you. And for God's sake don't wiggle your ears. You have wings now, remember!
Jim Jordan
April 30, 2005
Mark was a wonderful man,and he will be missed by all.I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim Jordan
Michael Wright
April 30, 2005
I met Mark 2 years ago when my wife Marie and I moved here to take a marketing position with the Radisson.I found Mark to be the utmost professional always with integrity and kindness.I considered him a friend and will miss him greatly. May the Lord look over him and his family always. Michael and Marie Wright.
Bob Griggs
April 30, 2005
Mark O'Brien always gave. He liked to see people enjoy themselves. He never expected anything in return for all that he gave. He gave because he wanted to give. He loved people! His family was the best family that I knew. Everything that they did; the way they operated was just so calm and so cool. Mark was so calm and so cool. You could tell how much they loved and admired each other. What a great job he did raising his beautiful daughters. He lives in each of them. I am so sorry for the O'Brien family's loss. Mark was a one of a kind. He was a great friend. I loved Mark and I love his family. He will be missed by so many. He touched many people's lives. I feel so blessed to have known him for the past 6 years.
Paul and Lynda Stanton
April 30, 2005
We were very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
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