Virginia Beach- Mark Francis O’Brien, age 67, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, VA surrounded by his family after a long struggle with cancer on December 11, 2017. Mark was born on November 29, 1950 in Wilmington, Delaware to Francis and Evelyn O’Brien. His parents, along with his three brothers and two sisters, later moved to Blaine, Minnesota. As a kid, he loved fishing, hunting, and working on cars.

After graduating high school, Mark enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 as a Boatswain’s mate. During his time in the Navy, he served in Vietnam, made several WESTPAC’s in CA as well as Med Cruises while stationed at NAS Oceana. He also won numerous awards as he led the VF 143 fighter squadron. Throughout his time in the Navy, he mentored countless enlisted and officer-ranked men and women. He retired as a AVCM Maintenance Control Master Chief after 22 years serving in the Navy. He then became a civil servant for eight years at NASU.

Mark met his wife, Sandra Guevara, in January 1972 while stationed on the USS Manitowoc in Long Beach, CA. On October 14, 1972, he married Sandra in Montebello, CA. Three days after their wedding, they moved to the Philippines where they lived for two and a half years while having their first child, Kimberly. They then moved to San Diego where they had their two other children, Jennifer and Marc. In 1989, Mark moved his family from Pt. Magu, CA to Virginia Beach, VA where they moved into their home of 28 years.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandra and his three kids; Kim (Gerrick), Jen (Fleming), and Marc O’Brien; and his four grandchildren.

Mark enjoyed watching variety of sports as well as western and military movies. He loved history, politics, and doing yard work around his home.

Many will recall Mark’s leadership qualities and strong work ethic. People around him would say that he was a smart, strong, and loyal person as well as a loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather.

He will be remembered as a fighter during his last few years of life, overcoming a number of health issues.
A Memorial Mass will be held on December, 22 at 1:00pm at Star of the Sea in Virginia Beach. There will be a gathering to celebrate his life at his home after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donations in Mark’s honor to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org