Michael Gerard O’Brien | June 17, 1955 — June 24, 2026

Michael Gerard O’Brien, 71, of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. 

Born on June 17, 1955, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Mike was raised in Wyandotte, where he developed the deep faith, generous spirit, and lifelong commitment to serving others that would define his life.

A 1974 graduate of Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview, Mike devoted himself to family, faith, and community. He spent several years as a youth leader at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, where his gift for mentoring young people and welcoming everyone with warmth and compassion first became widely known. Those qualities remained the hallmark of his life.

Mike’s greatest calling was serving others. Alongside his dear friend and ministry partner, Cheryl Paulsen, he co-founded Helping Mend God’s Children, a charitable ministry dedicated to supporting orphanages, schools, and other organizations serving those in need in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Together they raised funds and collected supplies throughout Michigan before leading volunteer teams to personally deliver those gifts and work alongside the people they served. Mike’s children, Erin and Michael Jr., joined them on many of those mission trips, making service a family commitment that reflected his belief that compassion is best taught by example.

For many years of his professional career, Mike owned a business providing water treatment chemicals for commercial boiler systems throughout the Detroit area. Being self-employed afforded him the flexibility to devote more time to what mattered most—his family, his grandchildren, his ministry, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Mike found joy in bringing people together. He was a dedicated volunteer at YWCA Camp Cavell in Lexington, Michigan, where he enthusiastically participated in volunteer work weekends and the annual Halloween Camp, forming lasting friendships with fellow volunteers. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and at home. Whether mentoring youth, opening his home to exchange students, or maintaining lifelong friendships across continents, Mike’s generosity knew no boundaries. His friendships often became family, a reflection of the way he embraced every person with kindness, genuine interest, and unconditional acceptance.

An avid traveler, Mike explored destinations throughout the United States and around the world with family and friends. Every journey became another opportunity to learn, serve, and form lasting relationships. No matter where he traveled, he returned with cherished memories and new friends.

Those who knew Mike will remember his generous heart, infectious sense of humor, gift for storytelling, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He never met a stranger and found great happiness in seeing others succeed. His grandchildren were among his greatest blessings, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Mike believed that every person has a responsibility to serve one another. He lived that belief every day, finding that a life spent in service brought immeasurable joy, purpose, and countless blessings. His legacy is found not only in the organizations he supported but in the lives he changed through his compassion, generosity, encouragement, and steadfast faith.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Erin Donathan; his son, Michael O’Brien Jr.; his beloved Dominican daughter by choice, Yosaira De la Rosa; his cherished grandchildren, Amelia, Abigail, and Jacob Donathan, and Aylin Gul De la Rosa; his siblings, Daniel (Aggie) O’Brien, Jill Cosper, Dean O’Brien, and Jody O’Brien; many nieces and nephews; dear friends Cheryl Paulsen and Tilman Klett; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends around the world who were blessed by his kindness and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marianne (McCauley) O’Brien; his siblings, Robin O’Brien and William O’Brien; and his son-in-law, Patrick Donathan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Building Bridges of Hope (https://bbohdr.org/) in Pinckney, Michigan, whose mission continues to support the people of the Dominican Republic through faith-based outreach and service.

Mike’s family finds comfort in knowing that the values by which he lived—faith, compassion, generosity, and humble service to others—will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know and love him.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen