Michael E. O’Brien, 49, of Thornton’s Ferry Road II in Amherst, died February 21 after a long illness.

He was born June 28, 1961 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of Robert and Clare O’Brien. Mike was raised in Wilbraham, Massachusetts and graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School in 1979.

He moved to New Hampshire to operate Amherst Taylor Rental along with his father. He eventually struck out on his own, starting O’Brien Industries. Mike was a skilled mechanic respected for his MacGuyver-like ability to fix anything with a little duct tape and a screwdriver.

Mike once pulled a man from a burning car, but it was his everyday acts of heroism that defined him. He was incapable of ignoring someone who needed help. It is impossible to know how many driveways were plowed by this kind stranger who never asked for a thing in return or how many heaters were fixed for no charge because Mike was more concerned about his customers’ well-being than his bank account. His big heart and spirit of generosity was a model for us all. To honor his memory, we encourage everyone to be just a little kinder to your fellow man today.

He was predeceased by his mother Clare and his brother-in-law Paul Landry.

Mike is survived by his father Bob of Amherst; sister Kathy Landry of Milford, NH; brother Tim and sister-in-law Debbie of Hampden, MA; brother Tom and sister-in-law Stacy of Williamstown, VT; sister Maureen of Portland, Maine and brother Terry and sister-in-law Janet of Goffstown, NH. He is also survived by an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins and by his beloved nieces and nephews Nicole, Justin, Devon and Kelsey Landry, and Matthew, Erin, Christopher, Shannon and Liam O’Brien. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness.

Memorial Visiting Hours are Saturday, February 26 from 11 am – 1 pm followed by a memorial service at 1 pm, in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to St. Joseph Hospital c/o St. Joseph Hospital Resource Development, 172 Kinsley Street, PO Box 2013, Nashua, NH 03061-2013.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.smith-heald.com.