Michael Joseph O’Brien, 55, of Salem, died Friday, January 13, 2012 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.
Born in Beverly on Nov. 26, 1956, he was the son of the late Charles and Catherine (DeCoff) O’Brien and is survived by a sister, Rosemary Sweeney of Olive Branch, MS, two brothers, Charles O’Brien and his wife Joanne of Danvers and Paul O’Brien and his wife Donna of Webster, 6 nieces, 4 nephews, as well as many great-nieces and nephews and cousins. He also leaves his housemates and friends for more than 28 years, Billy, James, and Richard, and house managers, therapists, coaches, and mentors Shirley, Scott, and Pat, and so many others who have made a difference in Mike’s life with their gentleness, patience, guidance, and love.
Michael was educated at Saint Coletta’s School for Exceptional Children in Hanover and in the Danvers Public School System. For many years, he was employed at BassRiver in Salem. Mike was an avid Patriots & Red Sox fan. Those who knew him loved him and will cherish the memory of his sweet spirit and gentle sense of humor.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s name may be made to Northeast ARC, 63 Holten St., Danvers, MA 01923