1949 ~ 2026
Michael O’Brien passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2026 surrounded by his family, leaving behind a rich legacy and many people still wondering how he managed to fit quite so much into one life.
Born in Knockavilla, County Tipperary, Ireland, Michael grew up on a small farm in a large family. He followed closely in the footsteps of his older brothers, who were deeply involved in Tipperary hurling, including Donal, a renowned All-Ireland goalkeeper. Despite his deep reverence for home, Michael knew that Ireland couldn’t contain his spirit.
In 1972, following his brothers Donal and Bill, Michael came to New York in pursuit of the American dream. He settled in the Bronx, was first employed in construction and quickly adapted to the pace, opportunity, and the madness of New York City.
Before long, he set out on his own, starting his first construction company with a little more than ambition and his first van. What followed became a career spanning construction, development, waste management, trucking, real estate, and special event production.
His trade waste business became one of the longest-standing Irish-owned garbage companies in the New York City market. But another major chapter began in the mid-1990s, when his work crossed into New York’s live-event world.
In 1995, Michael contributed to the enormous Disney premiere of Pocahontas on Central Park’s Great Lawn, followed later that year by work surrounding Pope John Paul II’s visit to Central Park. In 1997, Disney returned to New York for the premiere of Hercules, accompanied by the spectacular Disney Electrical Lights Parade down Fifth Avenue, the first-ever showcase outside of the theme parks. Mike and the boys were called on again for the Papal visits in 2008 to Yankee Stadium & St. Joseph's seminary in Yonkers.
From there, Michael’s unusual combination of knowledge and an absolute refusal to be intimidated by a difficult job positioned him to contribute to some of New York’s largest and notable live events over the past four decades.
He was especially proud of his contribution to work at the landmark theatre in Times Square, formerly known as the Hilton Theatre for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
Michael was self-made, but never in isolation. He learned from mentors, tradesmen, businesspeople, friends, and colleagues who influenced him along the way, just as he would later mentor and influence countless others.
The event production world suited him. Event people became his people and throughout his career Michael both learned from and worked alongside an extraordinary number of people across construction and live events. Internally, Cormac McHugh and Ellen Clark were instrumental to his long and fruitful career, both before and after his three sons joined him.
His philosophy was generally uncomplicated: “Make it happen.”
Michael met Cathleen at Gaelic Park in 1974, and they married in 1983. Together they raised three sons: Cormac, Ronan, and Conall.
There was rarely much separation between Michael’s work life and family life. His sons grew up accompanying him to job sites, productions, meetings, and wherever else the day happened to take him. He brought them to work, put them to work, and taught them that if something needed doing, you found a way to do it.
Long before fatherhood officially began, Michael had already decided his sons would be part of the future he was building, naming his company Michael O’Brien & Sons before his first son, Cormac, was even born.
Michael was tough, focused, practical and passed this on. He was enormously proud of Cormac, Ronan, and Conall — of their talents, resilience, successes and the men they became — and he also took great pride in being a grandfather.
Later in life, Michael created another important chapter with his partner of 20 years, Karen Riley.
Karen brought out a softer side in him — if there was one to find — and helped him slow down, at least by Michael O’Brien standards. Together, they built a life in upstate New York filled with travel, dancing, country and Irish music, classic cars, friends, family, and the occasional attempt at relaxation. Their morning cups of tea and beloved dog Bailey were staples in their beautiful home.
Michael was also a deeply devoted friend. When someone needed him, particularly when they were sick or struggling, he showed up. He was a storyteller – which might change slightly depending on how many times you’d already heard it. Some stories grew in the telling. Others sounded impossible but somehow turned out to be true.
He was also generous in the open and in the shadows, loyal, resourceful, resilient, and completely, unmistakably himself.
His sayings became part of the family vocabulary:
“Make it happen.” “If this was easy, everybody would do it.” “Let’s get this show on the road.”
And, of course, “It’s a long way to Tipperary.”
Michael is survived by his partner, Karen Riley; his sons Cormac and his wife Candice, Ronan and his partner Helen, and Conall and his partner Melanie; his grandsons Pearse and Kian, with twin grandsons on the way; Cathleen - mother of his sons; his sister Nell in England; his brother Sean in Tipperary; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was predeceased by his brothers and sister Mae, Liam, Donal, Jimmy, and PJ, as well as his niece Deirdre and nephews Conor & Donal Jr.
Michael came to New York from a small town in Tipperary and built a life that reached across job sites, businesses, the bright lights of NYC and the dark corners of the Bronx, and frequent trips across the pond.
His greatest legacy, however, was not simply what he built. It was his sons, his family, his friendships, and the people who taught him, learned from him, worked beside him, argued with him, laughed with him, and knew that when Michael O’Brien said something was going to get done, one way or another, it usually did.
For a man who spent his life moving forward, there are two lines that seem particularly fitting.
“It’s a long way to Tipperary.” We know he may fly by for a look-in on his journey home!
And, because he surely wouldn’t want us all standing around in sorrow, but continuing in joy…
“Let’s get this show on the road!”
Reposing will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Riverdale on Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 9:45 AM at St Margaret Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.
Topic: Michael O’Brien Funeral Mass - Oct 3, 2026 09:45 AM Eastern Time
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Meeting ID: 810 5762 1556