HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody said members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were shocked and profoundly saddened to hear of the death of Rep. Mike O’Brien Monday morning in Philadelphia.
“Mike was a dear friend to many of us and he was a passionate and vocal advocate for the people and the city he represented,” Dermody said. “He was dedicated to his work, he had a sharp sense of humor, and above all he was driven by a deep compassion for all those people who face the greatest challenges in life.”
O’Brien, 64, was first elected to the House in 2006 and served several terms on the House Appropriations Committee. He was the Democratic chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee in this session.
This summer he withdrew from his latest reelection effort due to difficulties from a long fight with a chronic illness.
“I know how much Mike was looking forward to enjoying his well-earned retirement,” Dermody said. “In fact, he was planning to deliver his farewell remarks to the House later this week. We are going to miss his warmth, his wit and his wisdom.
“We send our deepest sympathy to Mike’s wife Rita and his children Bridget and Michael.”
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
O’Brien’s constituent service office at 610 N. Second St. in Philadelphia will remain open to assist residents of the 175th Legislative District with a variety of state-related programs and issues for the remainder of his term. The telephone number is (215) 503-3245.
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