Mark D. Obrien

Mark was born August 7, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Edward P.O'Brien, Sr., and Virginia (Davlin) O'Brien. Shortly after graduating from Griffin High School, Mark began working for the Democratic House of Representatives staff in 1971, retiring as a Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House in 2003. Mark married the absolute love of his life, Paulette Rettinghaus O'Brien, on August 1, 1975. They had celebrated their 50th anniversary shortly before Mark's death.

Upon retiring, Mark then spent several years on his personal project, "Pretty City," volunteering to help elderly people with their yardwork or anything else they might need done. While known for his loud growl and occasional bark, Mark had no bite, all he really wanted to do was help others.

Mark could not stay retired for long, however, going back to work for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Springfield, Illinois and Sarasota, Florida, before retiring again in 2025.

After moving to Florida, Mark immediately returned to his volunteer ways, calling bingo numbers in his community and helping his computer-challenged neighbors. He was also an active member of Moose Lodges in Springfield and Sarasota. Mark was a proud member of St. Martha's Catholic Church in Sarasota.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward P. O'Brien, Jr. He is survived by his incredibly patient wife, Paulette, his two sons, Kyle and Morgan ( ), two grandsons, Gage, Brady, and 1granddaughter, Braelyn, all of Springfield, brothers Dennis O'Brien and Robert O'Brien, of Springfield, Illinois, and Aidan O'Brien Gilbert (Michelle) of Chicago, Illinois, as well as seven nieces and nephews and dozens and dozens of cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Springfield, Illinois.