John “Fritz” O’Brien, 100, a resident of Detroit and later Farmington Hills passed away peacefully on May 23, 2019.

John was born October 20, 1918 in Emmetsburg, Iowa the son of John J. O’Brien and Nellie (Ellen Elizabeth Neary). He was born at the end of WWI, lived through the Great Depression and served in the United States Navy during WWII as a Gunnery Officer aboard the LST544 transport ship.  He used the GI Bill to obtain his Accounting Degree from Creighton University in 1948. He hired into the FBI upon graduation and served from 1948 to 1953 in California, Texas and Michigan.

John married Pauline Mary Elizabeth Wellman the daughter of Bernard (Ben) Wellman and Mary (Winneke) on February 26, 1949.  In 1953, John began working in the Financial department at General Motors in Detroit Michigan and he retired in 1981.  They raised their family in Christ the King Parish. 

John was a man of quiet integrity.  He was the eternal optimist.  He was always positive and had confidence that no matter the problem, things would work out for the best.  Having witnessed 100 years of living, he was able to give wise advice.  He was able to focus on what is important in life, which was his family and his faith.  He was a devoted Catholic and had an affinity for Notre Dame Football. He was an avid sports fan and would attend as many sporting events of his children and grandchildren as he was able.

John and Paula moved to their Farmington Hills Echo Valley Condo in 1978 and became active members of St. Fabian parish where they brought communion to the sick, delivered Meals on Wheels, and were active in the St. Fabian St. Vincent de Paul society.  Winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona where he was active in their winter church.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Pauline (2016). John is the loving father of John (Carol), Patrick (Amy), Mary Ellen, Sheila, and Kathleen (Larry) Miller and longtime family friend Carmen Ramirez.   He was blessed with six loving grandchildren; Maureen (Chad), Patrick (Lindsay), Megan, Joseph, Kevin (Alexa), and Katie. John is the dear brother of Helen (late Floyd) Blasco and the late Donald, and brother-in-law of Cecilia (late Richard) Wingate, Bernard (late Darlene) Wellman and the late Paul (late Mary Ellen) Wellman.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews. 

John’s visitation will be Wednesday, May 29th, from 5 PM - 8 PM at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. There will be a 7 PM Rosary Service. He will lie in State Thursday, May 30th, at 10 AM until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.  Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Howell, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Fabian Catholic Church, Christ the King School in Detroit, or to a charity of your choice.