Lawrence O'Brien

Lawrence J. O’Brien was a man of humor and compassion. With a love for music in his soul and a love for family in his heart, he approached each day as an opportunity to bring happiness to those around him.

1916 was a year full of excitement on all fronts. In science, Albert Einstein had just completed his theory of relativity and in entertainment, Charlie Chaplin signed a contract for an unprecedented $10,000 per week. The political scene, too, was dynamic as World War I raged in Europe. Amidst all of these events that came to define the era, the O’Brien family welcomed their second of three children. Lawrence Joseph was born to his parents, Faustin and Blanche (Cummings) O’Brien, on September 29, 1916, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a young boy, Larry attended the area schools and liked to spend his leisure time playing golf. Due to tragic circumstances, Larry’s parents came to raise John and Lynn, two brothers whose parents had died. These brothers made a place in the O’Brien family and became like brothers to Larry and his sister Mary.

After graduating from St. Augustine High School in the mid 1930s, Larry answered the call to duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve during World War II. He was stationed in Sault Ste. Marie and proudly attained the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge. Larry then enrolled in Notre Dame for a few years before transferring to Loyola University in Chicago, where he graduated with a D.D.S. degree. Unfortunately, the stress and pressures of school caught up with Larry and shortly after graduating, he suffered a nervous breakdown. He then went home and stayed with his mother, eventually becoming her primary caregiver.

Besides caring for his mother, Larry also worked for Goodwill and it soon became evident that he was quite talented with his hands. To utilize this talent, they decided to teach him the skill of upholstery. To this day, many of Larry’s family have furniture that he reupholstered for them. Another of Larry’s masterful talents was in music. As a teenager, he learned to play the violin and played it extremely well. His absolute favorite music to perform was classical. Larry later entertained many audiences with his beautiful music, playing with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Larry’s happiest moments were spent in the company of his family. The holidays were special times for O’Brien family get togethers and he never missed being home for Christmas or Labor Day for their great cookouts. His favorite foods included fried chicken and mash potatoes. In his leisure time, Larry loved to hop in his car, which his sister Mary and her husband George bought him, and simply enjoyed his freedom. Perhaps he would go feed the ducks, which he loved to do. He had a compassionate heart for animals. As a giving person, Larry was on all kinds of donation lists and received many invitations to help contribute to good causes. When relaxing at home, Larry liked to read devotional materials. If you wanted to bring a smile to Larry’s face, you just had to tell a good joke – he enjoyed a good laugh. During the last several years, Larry’s health wasn’t the best and his niece, Dorothy Buckmaster, became his primary caregiver.

Larry will be lovingly remembered for his kind and generous nature as well as his deep commitment to family. He will be deeply missed.

Lawrence Joseph O’Brien of Comstock, Michigan, died on Monday, March 14, 2005, at Bronson Hospital. He is preceded in death by his brother, Leo O’Brien. Larry’s family includes his sister, Mary and George Worley of Indianapolis, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Larry, view his Life Story Film, and visit with his family and friends on Wednesday, March 16, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, Stadium Drive, West of 131. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on St. Patrick's Day,Thursday, March 17 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Larry’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to St. Mary Catholic Church.