Michael W. O'Brien

Saratoga Springs, NY - Michael W. O’Brien passed away on October 9, 2026. He was born on September 13, 1940 in Troy, N.Y. to the late Walter and Elizabeth O’Neil O’Brien.

Michael was a longtime Saratogian and worked as a lifeguard at the Victoria Pool where he met his wife Ann in 1966. He was a lector at St. Clement’s Church and could often be seen at his favorite downtown haunts, Lyrical Ballad, Mrs. London’s, and Celtic Treasures. He loved walking throughout Saratoga making friends along the way.

Michael attended high school at Vincentian Institute in Albany, NY and held a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He also held a Juris Doctorate from John Marshall School of Law in Cleveland, OH.

As a young man Michael taught at Notre Dame International School in Rome, Italy and at St. Gregory’s School for Boys in Loudonville, NY. In 1969, he became a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a career of 30 years with the Bureau in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Albany, he served as a Principal Legal Advisor, Freedom of Information Coordinator, Press Spokesman, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator. Following retirement, he worked with the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets as an investigator and enjoyed many summers as a greeter at the Saratoga Racetrack.

Michael was fiercely loyal to his family and his institutions, Notre Dame, the FBI, and the Catholic Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ann Reilly O’Brien, his daughters Moira A. Shortway (Tony), Erin K. Torani (Jay), his grandchildren Michael, Jack, Charles, and Francis Wiggin and Michael and Mia Torani. His sisters Erin Lewis (David), Ann Prager (Jordan), Beth O’Brien, his brother David and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and grand dogs.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by an infant brother Joseph, and his brother-in-law Patrick Reilly (Barbara).

The family would like to thank the staff at both Fort Hudson Nursing Center and Home of the Good Shepherd in Wilton for their infinite compassion, patience and devotion to Michael as he completed his journey of 86 years.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm, Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11am at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave.

Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com