Michael P. O'Brien, 20
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Michael Patrick O'Brien, 20, of 410 Stratton Road died Thursday night, May 28, 2009, in Daytona, Fla., after being struck by a vehicle on I-95 after the car in which he was a passenger went out of control.
Born in Providence, R.I., on Dec. 28, 1988, to Charles P. and Lisa A. Bessette O'Brien, he attended schools in North Dartmouth and Williamstown, graduating from Mount Greylock Regional High School in 2007. He had just completed his sophomore year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and was on track to graduate early.
He was a communicant of Sts. Patrick and Raphael's Church. While in high school, Mr. O'Brien competed on the golf and cross-country ski teams. An avid outdoor and sport enthusiast, he loved snowboarding, fishing, camping and boating. Forever the thrill seeker, he had even been skydiving.
He came into this world with a zeal for life that shone through in everything he approached, said his family. Everyone was drawn to him and wanted to be a part of his latest adventure of the day. He was known for his quick smile, winning personality, and special quality of offering a few kind words to brighten someone's day. Precocious, he started working at Waubeeka Golf Links at age 12 and interned at Dion Money Management as a teenager.
He always knew what he wanted, and would never compromise or stop until he succeeded, said family. Mr. O'Brien's lifelong passion for flying resulted in achieving his pilot's license while in high school after dedicating himself to both school work and rigorous pilot training. He was studying to be a commercial pilot so he could operate his own charter flight company.
"Our beloved Michael was a loving son and brother who was generous and caring to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all."
Besides his parents, he leaves a sister, Elizabeth O'Brien of New York City; his paternal grandmother, Dorothy O'Brien of Manhasset, N.Y.; his maternal grandparents, Leo and Loretta Bessette of Pawtucket, R.I., many aunts, uncles, cousins and his girlfriend, Emilie Carsell of Dalton.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. O'Brien will be celebrated Thursday June 4, at 11 a.m. at Thompson Memorial Chapel at Williams College. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Michael P. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of South Adams Savings Bank.