PATRICK EMMETT O’BRIEN

Patrick Emmett O’Brien of Lachine passed peacefully at home on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by his loud and loving family. He was 85 years old.

Patrick was born on July 6, 1939, to the late John and Donna (Rosbeck) O’Brien in Alpena, Michigan. He attended St. Bernard’s and Catholic Central High, until he was expelled for forging the nuns’ signatures. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1957 and enlisted in the Navy. On Oct. 20, 1979, he married Sherrie McDonald at Grace Episcopal Church in Long Rapids. He was employed by General Motors for 30 years as a Quality Control Supervisor at the V8 Engine Plant in Flint. Patrick was a long time bowler, who enjoyed good food, music, Jim Beam, Notre Dame football, fast cars, and freighter ships. He had a wise crack and a nickname for everyone he knew. Patrick loved to travel the world with his family and friends which included trips to the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Ireland.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie, five children: Robin (Mike) Allen of Davison, Colleen O’Brien of Flint, Kevin (Lee) O’Brien of Otisville, Meghan (Dan) Marsh of Alpena, and Kelsey (Matt) Bertsos of Howell, 10 grandchildren: Joshua, Geoffrey, and Nicholas Oaks, Jaime Howells, Carynne Rewa, Cameron Curtis, Ryan and Nora Marsh, Brynn and Conor Bertsos, and 11 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind five siblings: Sue Ritzler, Michael (Mary Sue) O’Brien, Cory O’Brien, Kim (Pat) O’Brien, and Sean (Susan) O’Brien.

Patrick is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kelly Patrice O’Brien and infant sister, Linda.

Memorial visitation will take place at Bannan Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and will continue at Grace Episcopal Church in Long Rapids on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. with Jared Villarreal officiating. In honor of St. Patrick, please wear green.

Special thank you to the staff at MyMichigan Medical Center for the years of care.

Inurnment: Long Rapids Township Cemetery

Memorials: National Kidney Foundation of Michigan