Michael J. O'Brien

Michael J. O'Brien, 82, of Hartford, Ohio, passed away peacefully with his wife and children at his side early Sunday morning, June 21, 2026, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio.
Mr. O'Brien was born on May 11, 1944, in Sharon, a son of the late John and Sophie (Dobroski) O'Brien.
After graduating from Brookfield High School in 1962, he enlisted in the Navy.
A proud veteran, Mike served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Buck during the Vietnam War.
He was discharged in 1967 as a signalman second class following four years of service and earning the following decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Shot, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 3541 and the AMVETS Post 290, both in Vienna, Ohio.
For many years, Mike owned and operated Rien Construction, previously Maybrook Construction, alongside his brothers, Paul, Tom and Jim.
He was also a member of the Keystone, Mountain, and Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters.
Mike was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Vienna, Ohio, and a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1446, Greenville.
An avid sportsman, he loved to hunt, fish and camp, which led to many hunting and fishing expeditions across the United States and into Canada.
He was also a talented marksman and enjoyed target shooting.
Mike also looked forward to playing golf with family and friends and served as the president of Sharon Country Club in 1995.
Above all else, Mike was a loving husband, devoted father and adoring "Papa" who cherished time spent with his family.
He was at peace in his daily routine of puttering between his man cave, woodshop and cabin before checking in with family, sitting next to a bonfire, or spending time with his beloved pets, Fergie and Frankie.
His beloved wife of 57 years, Anna Marie (Vojtko) O'Brien, whom he met at age 15 and married on Nov. 23, 1968, survives at home.
Mike is also survived by his daughter, Annie "Turtle" O'Brien; his son, Dr. Michael J. O'Brien, Jr. (Morgan), all of Hartford, Ohio; four grandchildren, Liam, Kian, Maclain and Taber O'Brien; four brothers, John O'Brien (Sande), Jim O'Brien (Carole), Paul O'Brien and Robert O'Brien (Shirley); three sisters, Kitty Hudson, Jennifer Bacik (Dale) and Dorothy Pepe (Tony); and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Tom O'Brien; and two sisters, Susan Webber and Patricia Kovack.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the O'Brien Children's Memorial Fund, c/o the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio, online at: https://cfwpeo.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1715; or a charity of the donor's choice.


O'BRIEN
Michael J., 82, Hartford, Ohio.
Services: Private for family, in keeping with his wishes.
Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, where full military honors will be rendered by the Wheatland AL and West Middlesex VFW Honor Guard.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.