Michael T. O'Brien

Michael (Mike) T. O'Brien, 81, passed away at home on April 7, 2023.
Mike was born on October 7, 1941 to Raymond and Barbara O'Brien in Newark, NJ.
He graduated from Good Counsel High School, where he was recognized as a top Track and Cross
Country runner, as well as an excellent student.
He then served in the U.S Air Force where he learned Mandarin Chinese to aid the military by translating Chinese messages. After his military service, he went to work at Prudential in Newark. Using the GI Bill, he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business at Rutgers University in Newark.
Mike met his wife, Pat, while working at Prudential and they married In 1973. Having four children, he spent much of the 1980s and 1990s coaching his children's track, cross country and basketball teams. He also actively supported their other pursuits such as soccer, baseball, football, hockey, swimming, gymnastics, and Irish dancing.
He was very involved in Hub Lakes and White Meadow Lake activities. At St.Cecilia's School, Mike was the President of the Home & School Association for several years as well as a teacher of CCD. Over the years, he volunteered his time as Race Director
for Rockaway Twp 5K, Harvest Festival 5K, WML Festival Day 5K, & Morris Catholic 5K. After over 30 years at Prudential in Computer Systems and Auditing, Mike shifted his focus to teaching and coaching.
He became a math teacher and coach at Morris Catholic and Morristown High School. He won a number of accolades such as Teacher of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Coach of Championship winning teams. He retired from teaching in 2015, but continued coaching. He was also a school bus driver for Rockaway Twp., Denville and Morris Catholic sports. He was a mentor, role model and friend to countless people.
Mike was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His passion for Notre Dame football and the Yankees was legendary. He rarely missed a game and loved to attend in-person with family and friends when he could. Mike was a lifelong runner and completed countless races in distances ranging from 1 mile fun runs to marathons. He ran his last 5K in November 2020 and continued running regularly through early 2023. Mike loved music, especially the Clancy Brothers, the Irish Rovers and 1950s classic oldies.
He loved to sing and was a member of the local singing groups namely The Morris Music Men and The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Mike was a devout Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a lector at St. Cecilia's Church in Rockaway.
In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his brothers, Raymond and Kevin, and his sister, Margaret Gillard.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, two sons, Terry O'Brien (Sheyla), Timmy O'Brien (April); two daughters, Cathy Tahlmore (Gary), Kelly O'Brien; four grandchildren: David, Timmy, Katelyn, and Vanessa; four siblings, Jerry O'Brien (Belena), Dennis O'Brien (Kay),
Barbara Dedman, and Linda Warwick (Tom); and many nephews and nieces. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 11, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Rd, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 AM at St.Cecilia's Church, 90 Church St, Rockaway, NJ 07866. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, https://act.alz.org an organization Mike felt strongly about.