Paul Michael O'Brien

Paul Michael O’Brien, 80, of Silver Spring passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 16, 2025. He was born August 31, 1944, in Bangor, Maine, to John Frances O’Brien and Louise M. Knowles O’Brien.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years Barbara Norton O’Brien; sister, Mary Lou Waugh (David); and a large family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Patrick Michael O’Brien.

Paul served in the Vietnam War as a military police officer. He was a member of the A Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, of the United States Army where was a V-100 Commando Armored Car Commander. Following his tour in Vietnam, he was stationed as an MP at Walter Reed Medical Center where he met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married one year later.

Paul was a graduate of American University and a 25-year veteran of the Washington, D.C. Police Department where he retired at the rank of Detective Grade One. After several years, Paul returned to service working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a good Irishman who frequently wore his family’s claddagh ring, and a dedicated parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Parish. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Paul served his family, his country, and his community. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 10103 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery with military honors. Paul will be laid to rest next to his son, Patrick.

A reception will be held at the Knights of Columbus on Rosensteel Avenue in Silver Spring, MD immediately following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John the Evangelist School, https://www.sjte.org/support-sje ; or to Gonzaga High School, https://www.gonzaga.org/support-gonzaga/make-a-gift