Michael J. O'Dwyer

Michael O'Dwyer passed away peacefully surrounded by his adoring family on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025.
Michael, the son of Mary and Patrick O'Dwyer was born in Limerick, Ireland on November 21st, 1935. The third of five children, Michael spent a happy childhood with his sister and three brothers at their home on St. Joseph's Place in Limerick City. He attended Christian Brothers School and grew up just steps from People's Park, where he enjoyed playing hurling and football with his friends for countless hours. Upon finishing school, Michael worked in Limerick and eventually moved to London in 1956 where he joined Lloyds Bank. It was at Lloyds where he would meet his colleague turned best friend and soon-to-be future wife, Anne. London was always near and dear to his heart. It was his first home away from home where he formed many lifelong friendships and met the love of his life.
In 1963, newly engaged Michael and Anne moved to New York. Michael joined Chase Manhattan Bank where he would continue to work in International Banking for over 40 years until his retirement. Anne and Michael were married in Ireland in 1965 and made New York their home, initially in New York City before moving to Blauvelt in 1980 where they raised their family and were long time parishioners of St. Catharine's Church.
Michael was a devoted husband. He and Anne were an incredible team, they had many wonderful adventures together traveling around the world yet always prioritized their family and faith above all else. Michael was a loving father, always present for his children. He took great interest in every aspect of their lives and pride in all their accomplishments both big and small. Never hesitating to tell them how much they were loved, and how proud he was of them.
A sports enthusiast through and through, and die-hard Munster Rugby and Limerick Hurling fan, Michael rarely missed a match whether watching on his trusty iPad or attending in person. One epic trip was to Chicago in 2016 to witness Ireland's historic win over the All Blacks which brought him to tears! And the recent dominance of Limerick's hurling team over the last few years brought him great joy as something he had only dreamed about as a kid.
After Anne's passing in 2019, he showed the rest of us the way with his quiet strength. He forged ahead for his children and grandchildren. Always up for an adventure with his backpack at the ready, he enjoyed countless sleepovers with his grandchildren. They would often beg him to "stay another night," and he would happily oblige. Michael joined family trips to the UK, Ireland, Washington DC, Poconos ski trips and summer trips to the Jersey shore, where he always impressed us with his stamina, putting in full days and late nights. He was a testament to age being a state of mind.
A loving, gentle and endlessly engaged Grandad, he was a constant fixture in his grandchildren's life. Providing them with boundless love, his undivided attention and so much fun. He never missed their soccer and basketball games, school events, recitals, plays, talent shows, spelling and geography bees. He showed up in every way.
All it took was his signature soft pat on the cheek or a wink, and you felt his love and calming presence. Simple pleasures were what Michael enjoyed most, hand in hand with his devoted wife of 54 years, proudly watching his children grow, welcoming his beloved son-in-law and daughter-in-law into the family, and celebrating the arrival of his five beautiful grandchildren.
Michael was predeceased by his wife, Anne, brothers Jack O'Dwyer, Pat O'Dwyer, and Seamus O'Dwyer and sister, Mary (Mamie) Cadenhead. He is survived by his daughter Maire Houston, son-in-law John, and their children, Maeve, Jack and Emma, and son Bartley O'Dwyer, daughter-in-law Cynthia, and their daughters Eveleen and Vivienne. He is also survived by his beloved sisters-in law, Peggy O'Sullivan and Attracta McMullin and brothers-in-law, Sean McMullin and Colin Cadenhead, and will be greatly missed by his cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Dad was an unassuming gentleman in the truest sense. He was gracious, kind and a joy to be around. As he would often say to us, "Life is for the living." He lived his life fully to the end; his impact will be remembered by all who knew him, and he will be sorely missed. We will honor him by putting one foot in front of the next just as he would want us to.
You are invited to view the photo gallery of our loving dad by using the link below. https://www.icloud.com/photostream/join?invitation_id=v3;161;85220D7A-9242-4413-8B9F-C6AB405D71F2;v2CrMCAEQARoQRbE1VQDox7CCKPyeaTzooQ;EDE681CD-90D2-442C-83DC-C8D60A0751A2;QmFydGxleSBP4oCZRHd5ZXI;RGFkIE_igJlEIFBpY3MgQXByaWwgMjAyNQ
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