TOPSFIELD - John Michael (Mike) O'Brien, D.M.D. 81, of Topsfield, beloved husband of Virginia (Laham) O'Brien, died peacefully, Saturday, June 17th, 2023 with his family by his side at Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Margaret A. (McLean) O'Brien. He was raised and educated in Boston. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas, BC High, Boston College and Tufts Dental School.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army in the Dental Corps, at Fort Ord in Monterey Ca, during the Vietnam war earning the rank of Captain. Following his discharge, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Dr. O'Brien was a well-known and accomplished dentist in private practice in Ipswich for 40 years. He loved his profession. With his Irish wit and easy going "chair side manner" he put many people at ease while keeping their dental hygiene in check.

A long-time resident of the town of Topsfield, Mike coached his childrens' sports teams. He also had a passion for music and would often serenade his family while playing his acoustic guitar. A member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield, he volunteered as a CCD teacher. As a true Irish story teller with a quick wit and easy smile; he endeared himself to many.

As a member of the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead he competed in sailing races weekly and sailed throughout the Caribbean. He loved being out on the water and often enlisted his friends and family as crew. When not on the water he enjoyed playing golf, travelling and vacationing in Sarasota FL with Virginia. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a doting grandfather, who will be deeply missed and remembered for living life to the fullest and giving his all for his family.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia (Laham) O'Brien of Topsfield, his children, Michael D. O'Brien of Boston, Jeanne M. Jamieson and her husband, Jim of Duxbury, Nancy E Pecjo and her husband, Eric of Wakefield and Christine E. Lanza of Stoneham, his 9 grandchildren, Danielle, Ryan, Nicole, Chase, Evan, Matthew, Julia, Erica and Kaitlyn, his sister, Nancy Donovan and her husband, Leo of Oakton, VA, his brother, Thomas F. O'Brien Jr. and his wife, Diane of Houston, TX and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Brenda Kilburn.

The family thanks the staff at Masconomet Healthcare Center for their loving care of Mike.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS, Friday, June 23rd at 9:30 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visiting hours Thursday, June 22nd from 4 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be made in John's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown MD 21741-5014
Web: http://www.michaeljfox.org/donate