Phillip J. O?Brien, Jr.

Very kind soul. He is now a "Sweet Angel" himself as he called others. So very sad to see this. I feel privileged to have known this beautiful person and will see him on the other side. He loved my dogs, Nya Nya and Jack and was probably welcomed big time to his new home where there will be no more sadness.

met Phil in Poetry class at Wayne State University. We became fast friends. He loved music, film and running. He really was an artistic soul and made me so many mixed tapes and CD´s over the years. I always loved hanging out with him and he called me his little friend Jenny. I have good memories of hanging out at the Lake Access on Orchard Lake, concerts and shows at the Majestic and Phil working on his own film and video projects. He even videotaped my first play in 2003, after I moved back from France. We lost touch over the time he moved to Florida, but I remember a couple times when he did come up to Michigan he always wanted to meet up and go to the Detroit Zoo and walk there . I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing and I will always remember his kindness, his uniqueness, his laugh, and how much his friendship meant to me. I send my deepest condolences to his family & friends, I am holding you in light and prayer. What an immeasurable loss. In the Wayne state days we talked about breaking into modeling, these first three photos are from a photo shoot we did. The other snapshots were from a wedding we went to and when I had just moved back from France. I feel really heartbroken that he has passed away so young. He was really a very special person. Rest In Peace Phil I will always remember you. Sincere Condolences, Jennifer George

When I think of you Phil, I see your smile and your eyes that always looked happy to see me and full of genuine compassion. We knew each other for a long time, since Howard and Mikey first started dating, and our shared love of music and the grand times of the '80s makes me happy. You were family to me and I have many fond memories of weddings, Florida visits and long conversations questioning the meaning of life.

You had always been so generous to me and you always liked to give away books, endless music and movies.

I have great memories of the cards and emails we exchanged. Thank you for being so open and sharing your video art/stories and perspective with me through the years

I want to thank you for the love you shared for my family and the deep love you had for my kids. I know you always found joy in our kids and you were so happy for our family. The empathy and pain you felt for Owen, the grief you felt for Hannah and the concern and grief you expressed for all the challenges our family faced will never be forgotten.

You have always been a special person in our a family and I know how much my dad loved you and enjoyed being with you. You were very good to my dad and loved him very much and thought the world of him and his stories. That is another one of the things that I love about you very much.

It only seems right that you are one with the magic of the Jupiter Jetty and the crashing waves. An area of great beauty matched with equal natural energy, both things you embraced fully and never failed to take for granted. That area always brings me such joy and we talked about it often when we saw each other. We know you loved to surf and just let time pass by with no urgency and try so hard to live in the moment.

You will be very missed Phil and I am deeply saddened by your passing. You were such a gentle soul and I hope you have found the peace and harmony I know you sought. Owen will be waiting for you buddy, please do me a favor and teach him how to surf in heaven. Love you brother

Phil was such a lovely, kind natured person. It was always a joy to be in his company. The world is a poorer place without him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his dear family and friends.

Rest in Peace my friend !

My sweet brother. Not a day will go by where you are not in my thoughts. You saw the good in everything and that is a gift. The world is a smaller place without you. Forever yours, Colleen

Phil was not only my brother-in-law, but also a great friend. He was a kind and caring soul who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He had a great sense of humor and was truly a kind individual who did not judge others. I will always remember the great times that we had together and the numerous trips to Key West. Phil was a shining light in a cruel hard world. He was a world class runner and a lover of music. This world is a darker place without you in it. I will think about you every day and the great times that we had. Long may you run my brother!

I will miss my friend! Phil sent me countless texts, and many cards via mail, and ALWAYS signed them, your friend, Phil.
I met Phil at Brother Rice High School during our Junior year and remained friends although separated by thousands of miles. In fact, I have only maintained 1 contact with the people I went to high school with and it was because Phil knew how to be a friend. No judgment, just unconditional friendship and mutual respect. I texted and talked with Phil more than even my own brothers and sisters and will truly miss our ongoing conversation of mutual admiration for the Irish band, the Pogues. I will raise a glass in your honor my friend, each time I hear another Pogues tune.
Rest in Peace my Friend.

My dearest uncle Phil <3 I love you and I still can´t even wrap my head around that this is real. You were always the sweetest and you just made people feel comfortable and at ease. You never judged a soul and you were incapable of holding a grudge. You were a lover with a heart made of gold. I hope you know that you will forever be missed. The world needs more people like you. Please keep shining your bright light down on all of us, we need you.

"God saw he was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around him,
And whispered "Come with me",
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer,
And saw him fade away,
Although we love him dearly,
We could not make him stay,
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best,
Although his heart stopped beating,
His love will always remain,
His absence puts upon our hearts,
A very heavy strain,
For now he is in a place of everlasting rest,
We just have to understand that God,
He only takes the best."

I love you forever and always Uncle Phil till we meet again.

I met Phil when I lived downstairs from him in Grossed Pointe. I was an actor in one of his short films. We remained friends for 25 years. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Kevin Kinney
Hopedale, MA

Miss you my gorgeous, compassionate and loving brother. Glad you were able to travel so so many places and see much of the beautiful world. Always willing to help in anyway, we were so lucky to have you in our lives and will miss you always. My heart is broken.

A finer human, I've never met....Phil cared for everyone & everything unconditionally. I grew up with this guy and I'm beyond heartbroken to know the person who was such a huge part of me is now not there. I honor him by keeping his spirit burning & try to be as kind and caring as he always was to everyone. God Bless You, OB and thanks for being such a friend to me.....