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07/06/2023 03:03 PMMichael T. “Mike” O’Herlihy, 67, of Old Saybrook, passed away at home on May 26 from complications of Parkinson’s disease, his loving wife and daughter by his side as he left this earth. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Hurley O’Herlihy; father, Dr. Dermot O’Herlihy; and brother, Kevin O’Herlihy.
Mike was born in Hartford and lived in Wethersfield until his family moved to Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey when he was a young boy. He graduated in 1974 from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, and attended Providence College. Once he left college, he moved to Old Saybrook, where the O’Herlihy family spent many happy and carefree summers in the Cornfield Point area.
Mike had many interests in his life: playing guitar, listening to music (Jackson Browne in particular), playing Scrabble with his siblings, playing basketball and baseball, reading fiction and mysteries, playing and watching golf, playing fantasy football, going to West Point football games, going for walks, listening to sports talk radio, driving around looking at real estate, and reading the Sunday papers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. John (St. Pio) Church, was an avid supporter of the Acton Public Library, and had served on Town boards and committees.
Michael touched many lives and will be remembered for a great many things, including his startling blue eyes, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, generosity, humility, faith, and championing the underdog. But above all else, he will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, who miss him terribly.
Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen Heckler O’Herlihy, and daughter Kiernan O’Herlihy, both of Old Saybrook. In addition, he is survived by his five siblings: Kathleen M. Brennan of Dumont, New Jersey; Brian T. O’Herlihy (Andrea) of Wayland, Massachusetts; Patricia J. Mahoney (Peter) of East Hampton, Robert F. O’Herlihy (Patricia) of Lavallette, New Jersey; and Nora A. Burdi (Ken) of Bridgewater, New Jersey; and brother-in-law Bruce Heckler (Nancy) of Old Saybrook. He also leaves 12 loving nieces and nephews; two grandnieces and six grandnephews; along with aunts Audrey Hurley (Joseph) and Patricia Hurley (Robert); and extended Hurley and O’Herlihy families in New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York, and Ireland.
A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook.