Michael Andrew O'Brien

 Michael Andrew O'Brien passed away on July 13, 2023. Michael was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey on April 14, 1953. He was very well traveled, taking many family trips as well as many military trips due to his 29+ years of military service. Michael began his military career in United States Marine Corps. He later transitioned to the Florida Army National Guard where he served as a Green Beret, Team Leader, Company Commander, and Battalion Commander in the 20th Special Forces Group. Michael retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He never forgot the friends he made in the service.

During the holidays Michael's family would invite service members into their home. Michael felt no one serving our country should be alone during these important times of the year. He loved to spend time outdoors, conquering the Appalachian Trail multiple times with friends and taking long walks with his dog through Wekiva National Park. Michael and his loving wife Maria enjoyed taking beach vacations and visiting friends in Key West. He was an avid lover of westerns and war movies with a particular affection for John Wayne and WWII movies.

Michael graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 1984 and began his legal career with the Florida State Attorney's Office specializing in White Collar crime before opening a private defense practice. He was focused primarily on helping the little guy. Michael always said that if the only goal was money, he was making all the wrong moves. Michael participated for many years in charity work serving as a Director of The Orlando Margarita Society which helps needy children in the community.

Michael is survived by his wife Maria, son Matthew, and stepchildren John, Amanda, and Karla as well as his dog Rocky, who misses him terribly. He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Marie) O'Brien, sisters Eileen (Eric) Curtis and Claire Cottrell. Michael was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Mary O'Brien.

A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. (1300) on Sunday, August 27 at Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 N. Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's name to the Orlando Margarita Society at 400 South Park Avenue, Suite 230 Winter Park, Florida 32789.