Michael O'Brien

This past weekend (11/12/2022) I was at the WTC memorial museum and felt compelled to look up Mr Obrien as I was a high school classsmate of his wife, Rachel. The photo of the two of them which was displayed showed a couple truly in love with eachother with a smile on Rachel's face much like when she was in high school. May Michael continue to RIP and not be forgotten. And, may Rachel know that she has not been forgotten by her classmates after this tragedy so many years ago.

On this 15th anniversary of 9/11 I want to let Michael's family know that I received his name at a chapel where I used to attend Mass shortly after this horror. I was told to pray for him and his family. I am thinking of Michael in a special way today as well as his wife Rachel and his children. I assume the children are all grown up and possibly married. I also wonder about Michael's parents and siblings. One never gets over the loss but hopefully, you have all been able to work through your grief. Know that you will all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as the years pass. And remember that Mike lives on in all of you.

Your beautiful daughter Sara walked down the isle with you in her heart you were misses by everyone Mike but I know you were there watching from above.

In Memory
With Honor & Respect.

It does not seem possible that 10 years have passed. I knew Mike and his family while growing up in New Hartford. We use to hang around together and were in the same Boy Scout Troop. From reading the stories about how Mike lived in his adult life, they do not surprise me at all. Mike always seemed to have a smile on his face, liked to have fun and was loyal to his family and friends. He was a great friend. I know Mike is in heaven smiling down on us.
Rest in peace old friend.

Dear O"Brien Family,
I read the O-D website daily and today I came upon the 9/11 Memorial. I went to school with Michael and just want to let you know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers on this eve of the 9th anniversary. May God bless.

Dearest OBrien Family
Good Morning my name is Michael E OBrien.I came upon your memorial page when I was reserching heritage names.
Your beloved Michael was a superior man.
Because of this day many personel tragic memiories are still abound.
It is such a disadvantage to anyone who
could never hold and see their treasure
souls again.
I fell out of place not being able to
bring a better understanding to your positions.
But tack away the fact perhaps my guidence to my son can be improved.

God bless all of you connected he is still with you always. micedyob7@aol

The pain may lessen...but we will never forget...and YOU will never be forgotten, Mike. You, Rachel, and your children are forever in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. Much love, Peggy xoxo

I remember Mike from High School and wanted you to know that I continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.

God Bless You

I went to jr. and sr. high school with Mike. I am so sorry to hear of his passing in such a nationally tragic way. I pray that God blesses his family beyond measure.

I graduated with Mike, from New Hartford High School! I remember him as a fun & caring guy! I am saddened to hear of his passing & he & his family are in my prayers!

In remembrance....

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

How surprised I was to arrive at SUNY Oswego in 1979 and find that the girl in the room next to mine (Rachel) was dating a guy from my homeroom at New Hartford High School. Before that, I knew Mike as a classmate and football player, but through Rachel, I saw his many sides - the humor, the intelligence, the compassion.



Although we had not kept in touch, Mike's death took my breath away. I had heard for years about what a wonderful father and husband he was. As much as we try to search for meaning in something so senseless, God shows us that for the soul, death is not a tragedy. My heart goes out to Rachel and their children. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers.

Mike,



You will be forever a part of my childhood growing up in Upstate New York. I always looked up to you and enjoyed your fun-loving attitude. When I think back on family get-togethers, I see your smiling face. Thank you for enriching my life by your presence.

May God bless you, Rachel, and your children.

We Will Never Forget...

Your cousin,

Dear Rachel, Sarah, Derek, and Kevin,



May Michael rest in peace, and never be forgotten.

Dear Rachel,Derek,Sarah & Kevin,



It's so clear.



Everyone who ever met Mike, even if only briefly, knows what is so clear to you. His genuine warmth and charisma was impossible to overlook. He was a rare blend of charm, intelligence, witt and good humor...yet so easy going, fun loving and laid back.



It's so clear how much he is missed.



Stay strong and smile when you think of him.



Love, Dick, Leslie, Andrew & Matt Coppola

There are so many things I want to say, but how do you put it into a few short sentences? I think that the most important thing anyone can learn from having known and loved Mike was his unconditional love for his family. Rachel- the one and only love fo his life. His beautiful children- nothing but a source of love, pride and joy. His parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended family and friends- all of us recipients of his love, kindness, generosity,contagious spirit,and of course, practical jokes. I will forever grieve for you and all that has been lost. But, at the same time, I will honor and celebrate your wonderful life forever. My life is richer in countless ways for having had you as my big brother. There are so many times a day that I think of you. These moments are bittersweet- filled with laughter and tears at the same time. I miss you and love you!!! Love, Bridget

Dear Rachel, Sarah, Derek, and Kevin,



I always thought Michael was a class act. And, in consideration of the woman that you are, Rachel, I'm not surprised you married such a man. I won't be surprised to see those same qualities in your children. Michael, may you rest in peace.

Rachel, I saw the love that you and Mike had and wonderful lives you led. It was never about money or material things but it was about love, family, and friendship. You taught me to live every day to fullest, which means enjoying the people around and not how much money is in the bank or what kind of car you drive. I remember being a little hyperactive five year old and Mike would still make time to play with me when i would visit my big cousin Rachel, I remember the trips to the beach with ketchup sandwiches, and the time Mike taught me to whistle (which he did with great patience). the world is a sadder place without Mike and while no one can evr fill his place he left behind a great legacy in his beautiful children and his wife who has strength that i cant even imagine . I love you Rachel! You are always in my thoughts Love your cousin Jessica

MIKE,WE MISS YOU SO MUCH. WITH EVERY TEAR I SHED I SOMEHOW END UP SMILING WITH THE WARMEST MEMORIES OF YOU. YOU WERE TRUELY A GREAT FRIEND! tHERE WAS NEVER A DULL MOMENT WITH YOU...THE SAGAMORE, LAS VEGAS(THANK YOU THANK YOU VERY MUCH)PARTIES THAT NEVER ENDED BEFORE THE WEE HOURS OF THE NIGHT,SOCCER GAMES, YOU SMOKING CIGARS, THAT CHILDLIKE GRIN,AND SO MANY MORE. WE ALL MISS YOU. I WILL ALWAYS HOLD THOSE MEMORIES CLOSE TO MY HEART.I CAN ONLY CONTINUE TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE EYES OF YOUR CHILDREN.DEREK, SARAH AND KEVIN WERE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS THEIR DAD.EACH OF THEM HAVE SO MUCH OF YOU, IT'S WONDERFUL.RA,YOU ARE A REMARKABLE WOMAN!YOUR INNER STRENGTH HAS KEPT YOU GOING.YOUR LOVE OF MIKE SHINES THROUGH YOU EVERY DAY.I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU!

For a parent to loose a child is the most tragic event to endure. The next worse event is to be the parent of a daughter who has lost her husband of only 18 years. Mike was a great husband and a very loving father to his three children. He made friends very easily and keept their friendship through his great personality and deep consideration for each of them. Mike was not only our daughter's husband, he was our SON as well. Many parents say of their daughter's husbands"he is a nice guy, but" With Mike there was never a but!!. He filled our lives with great joy and his zest for life. He will never be replaced in our heart. He has left a mark that we will always treasured. His memory is as real as life its self.He will never be forgotten and will be loved for ever.

My tribute is to Michael and his wonderful family. Rachel, I think of you everyday and remember the time I got to take care of you & your sisters when your Mom had to be with our Grandmother. Being there for each other, and even now you help others.



Your souls are incredible, your strength quiet and gentle. Without a word you speak volumes and we follow your example.

My love, prayers and admiration always.

On Sept10,1983,when Michael married our daughter Rachel, we gained a son. On Sept 11,2001, a group of murdering lunatics took Mike and hundreds of other sons and daughters away from all of us. We think of Mike every day and night. I know he is in a better place now but I still wish he was here with all of us. We have so many wonderful memories of our time with him. He gave us love, laughter, excitement and generosity. He loved to pull pranks on people and I am sure they remember with a smile what he did to them. We used to call him the country boy apple knocker and he turned out to be more sophisticated than all of us. When ever we wanted to know a good restaurant in NYC we would ask Mike. He knew the best ones! Ask Mike how to get around in the city, and he would tell you by limo!! Only Mike! He was so generous with all of us , especially with his time. If you eveer needed him to help out he was always there. We met Mike when Rachel was in her first year of college and I knew right away why she was interested. He was so cute and had a dazzling smile. Thank you for 23 years of love and laughter. We miss you so much and will love you forever. Keep the party going for us! We love you OB! Mom and Dad Filete

Mike was the man every parent want thier daughter to bring home. we will love you and miss you always.we will always think of you with that wonderful smile.

Memories keep the one you loved

close to you in spirit and thought

and always in your heart,

today and forever.

Michael is and will always be missed beyond measure.

My love always to Rachel, Sarah, Derek and Kevin.

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...MICHAEL OBRIEN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.MICHAEL AND ST.PATRICK GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN

I had the chance of being Mike's godchild. He was a wonderful person, and awlays happy.My father and him grew up together,and became best friends. My famiy has been very put down on about what happend. So on times im not happy i look at his picture and know that he is in heaven. We will miss him alot.

I hade the chance of being Mikes god child...he was a really great person. He was so funny and happy all the time.. and everyone will miss him.

I had the privelege of knowing Michael through my sister in law, Bridget. Michael was her brother. He was a great man and I send all my sympathies to Rachel and the kids: Derek, Sarah and Kevin. I pray every day for their well-being.

We all loved Michael. Rest in Peace Michael.

I met Michael through his sister Bridget who is married to my son Kevin Paluzzi. I'm proud to say that I was privileged to have known such a wonderful young man. I only hope for the best for his wife Rachel and their children. Rest in peace Michael

I only knew Michael through Tom Bart but I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family. I am very sorry you had to endure such pain and sorrow in your life. May God Bless you and your children.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

You will always be in the thoughts of the children in Hanover Township. Our travel soccer have shamrocks embroidered on their uniforms in your memory. God bless your children and family. They are in our prayers and thoughts this Holiday season.

We're thinking of you always and you're in our prayers. Marge and Charlie

You will be in our hearts and prays always! God Bless You and your Family Love The Grabas Family from Whippany

You will always be my OB1!