Neil O'Brien

O'Brien, Neil Joseph, a proud Irishman, age 86 of Swartz Creek, passed away January 1, 2023. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated 11AM  Monday, January 9 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Road, Swartz Creek.  Visitation will be 2PM - 8PM  Sunday at the Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek where a Rosary will be prayed at 7PM Sunday.  Visitation will also be 10AM Monday  until time of Mass at the church.  Those desiring may make contributions to Swartz Creek Food Pantry or the American Cancer Society.

He is survived by his loving bride of 64 years, Phyllis (Jennings).  7 Children: Colleen (Mark) Wisniewski of Fenton, Patti (Mike) Chen of Portage, Mark (Susan) O'Brien of Swartz Creek, David (Michele) O'Brien of Gaines, Karla (Mark) Shotwell of Grand Blanc, Maureen O'Brien-Steffen of Swartz Creek and Molly (Dave) MacCann of England.  13 Grandchildren:  Zachary and Michael Wisniewski, Andrew, Matthew and Thomas Chen, Patrick (Ashley) and Katelyn O'Brien, Isabella (Kyle) Petermann, Olivia and Grant O'Brien, Rachel Bond, Jacob and Hannah Steffen.  3 Great-Grandchildren:  Delaney and Everly O'Brien and Jack Bond. Sisters-in-law, Nancy Jennings-Bell and Gayle (Wally) Wronka; Brother-in-law, Roger (Judy) Jennings; Nieces; Nephews (including Godson and special friend Gale Davis), and many Friends.

Neil was born on December 12, 1936 in Flint, Michigan.  He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1955, Flint Community Junior College and attended General Motors Institute. Neil married his bride, Phyllis Agnes (Jennings) in 1958. Together, they raised a proud Irish family of nine in a house they built themselves. Neil was a proud Patternmaker with Buick Motor Division and retired after 39 years.  He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Swartz Creek.  Neil had a passion for feeding the deer in HIS yard and kept HIS lanes mowed so that he could enjoy viewing them from his window.  Neil was a proud grandfather who looked forward to attending his grandchildren's various events.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and time spent with his friends and his dear neighbors.  Neil loved going to the 4D hunting camp and spending time with all the guys. He was appreciative of his Irish heritage and savored his Irish Whiskey.

Neil was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; brothers: James Michael and Thomas; sisters: Eileen O'Brien and Patricia O'Brien-Davis; grandson, Davis O'Brien; nephew, Eddy "Ed" Bell; In-Laws, Ralph and Agnes Jennings; brother-in-law, Edwin Bell and brother-in-law and special friend, Merle Davis. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Ascension Genesys for their kindness and care. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

May your neighbors respect you, Trouble neglect you, The angels protect you, And heaven accepts you. May you enjoy the four greatest blessings: Honest work to occupy you. A hearty appetite to sustain you. A good woman to love you. And a wink from our God above.