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Michael T O'Herlihy
Michael T O'Herlihy
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Michael O'Herlihy Obituary
Mike was born in Hartford and lived in Wethersfield until his family moved to Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ when he was a young boy. He graduated in 1974 from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, NJ, and attended Providence College. Once he left college, he moved to Old Saybrook, CT, where the O'Herlihy family spent many happy and carefree summers in the Cornfield Point area.
Mike had many interests in his life: playing guitar, listening to music (Jackson Browne in particular), playing scrabble with his siblings, playing basketball and baseball, reading fiction and mysteries, playing and watching golf, playing fantasy football, going to West Point football games, going for walks, listening to sports talk radio, driving around looking at real estate, and reading the Sunday papers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. John (St. Pio) Church, was an avid supporter of the Acton Public Library, and had served on Town boards and committees.
Michael touched many lives and will be remembered for a great many things, including his startling blue eyes, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, generosity, humility, faith, and championing the underdog. But above all else, he will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, who miss him terribly.
Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen Heckler O'Herlihy and daughter Kiernan O'Herlihy, both of Old Saybrook. In addition, he is survived by his five siblings: Kathleen M. Brennan of Dumont, NJ, Brian T. O'Herlihy (Andrea) of Wayland, MA, Patricia J. Mahoney (Peter) of East Hampton, CT, Robert F. O'Herlihy (Patricia) of Lavallette, NJ, Nora A. Burdi (Ken) of Bridgewater, NJ, and brother-in-law Bruce Heckler (Nancy) of Old Saybrook, CT. He also leaves twelve loving nieces and nephews, two grandnieces and six grandnephews, along with Aunts Audrey Hurley (Joseph) and Patricia Hurley (Robert) and extended Hurley and O'Herlihy families in NH, NJ, and NY, and Ireland.
A celebration of Michael's life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Larry Bardsley
August 21, 2023
Ellen & Kiernan,
We are so very sorry to hear of Michael´s passing: our thoughts are with you as you grieve his loss.
We remember Mike as being compassionate, kind, and generous to a fault. His sense of humor and keen wit, made him such a pleasure to be around. After all these years we still remember fondly the times we spent with him and all the laughs we had together. Mike, we are much better off for having known you. Rest in Peace.
Larry and Jen Bardsley
Dunc
July 3, 2023
Jackson Browne implored people to "Stay, just a little bit longer" and Mike sure took him at his words. Several times I was told that it could happen any day but Mike hung in there much longer than expected, with as much pride and dignity as the situation could bear. I attribute this to Mike's ironclad will, and the compassionate care and total unending love given by Kiernan and Ellen. Now Mike's in a better place, free of the awful pain he suffered through this terrible disease. R.I.P. Friend.
[email protected]
Megan Lalli
July 3, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Ellen and Kiernan.
Diane H
July 2, 2023
I was blessed to have Michael champion me during an "underdog" situation. Unconditional support based simply on our friendship.
Godspeed, Michael O!
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