Daniel O'Brien

Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Daniel O’Brien, 65, of Port Clinton, OH unexpectedly passed away on July 4th, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. The youngest of the 8 children, Dan was born on January 24, 1959, to Louis (Louie) and Rosyln O’Brien in Traverse City, MI. Dan is survived by his wife Cheryl, children Caitlin, Megan and Brendan, brothers David (Linda) and Joseph and Sisters Susan (Alberto) Menendez, Patricia and Kathleen. Neice & Nephews, Jim, Jessica, Luis, Marcia, Jeremy, Jenny, Sean, Christina, Scott and Danielle.

Predeceasing Dan in death was his father and mother, step-mother Kay O’Brien and brothers Richard and Steven.

As the youngest of 8 children, Dan was the baby of the large family on sixth street, whose love for the splendor of Northern Michigan was imprinted early upon his soul. A native son who loved the outdoors and being on the crystal water of the bay, part of Dan’s heart and soul always remain in Traverse City, no matter how far away he went. He graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1977, Albion College in 1981, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1984, but came back to northern Michigan regularly.

Dan has been a practicing attorney for over 39 years, most recently with the firm, Fisher Phillips, primarily specializing in five areas of law: Worker’s Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, Alternative Risk Transfer Methods, Best Practices Management, and finally the impact of workers’ and unemployment costs in a Merger or Acquisition. Throughout his career, anyone who knew him can attest to Dan’s deeply ingrained self-determination and his superhuman ability to never being afraid of hard work. One of the last of a rare breed of advocates, Dan frequently liked to say that no one else did what he did, but he liked it that way. Although niche, the work he did was deeply valued and needed by the clients he served – many of whom had a decades-long working and personal relationships. “Race ipsa locutor” best describes this industrious and dedicated attorney, who always went the extra mile for his clients; Dan’s career and his life-long persistence for excellence speaks for itself.

Dan married the love of his life, Cheryl, on October 6th, 1990, raising three children together, as well-known and deeply involved parents and community members in Independence, OH. He was a wonderful man, devoted to his family and the glue that held many units together; he who would be the one you called if you needed help. Dan loved Golf, we believe he still holds a Traverse City Golf team record for the shortest drive on a hole but that’s a story for another day. Dan was also an avid card player whether it was Euchre, Bridge or Cribbage, he loved to play and was always very competitive.

Dan was a larger-than-life type of person, his impact on his family, friends and co-workers can’t possibly be expressed in words. Those of us who knew him best will always have a hole in us where he used to reside. One thing that we will never lose though is the lifetime of memories we all made together. This old Irish wake toast we feel says it best “Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, Still missed and very dear.”

The visitation will be held on Friday July 12th at the Walker Funeral Home in Port Clinton, OH from 4-8pm. Saturday services will be held at the Walker Funeral Home at 10am with burial to follow at Catawba Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to send contributions to either Cornerstone of Hope in Independence, OH or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital