MONTAGUE - Michael Peter O'Brien died peacefully in his sleep at his Montague home on March 27, 2010. He was 62.

Michael was born in 1947 in Peterborough, N.H., to parents Harry and Helen (Berry) O'Brien of Northampton. He graduated from Northampton High School in 1965. O'Brien was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy from 1968 to 1981. He had a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Rhode Island. At a very young age Michael achieved proficiency in playing the piano. He played with the Hartford Symphony, but his favorite place to play was at home. He was most recently working on "Goyescas," an opera by Granados.

Michael was an avid meditator, a practice that grounded and sustained him. He often participated at Vipassana Meditation Center. He was a voracious exerciser until the day of his death. He had a long record of all-around athleticism that included basketball, baseball, football, shot put, discus, weight lifting, running, biking and he was a fervent reader. A studious introvert and a life of the party, he had playful sense of humor and hearty laugh.

Michael leaves behind his devoted wife of 32 years, Shari O'Brien of Montague; two daughters, Eileen O'Brien of Williamsburg, Va., and Kerry O'Brien Smith of Richmond, Va.; as well as two sons, Randall Peacock of New York and Rob Peacock of Newton. He had 10 grandchildren.

Michael wished to be cremated. Arrangements are with the Smith-Kelleher funeral home. The family held a private remembrance service at home. In lieu of flowers, please plant pansies wherever you are.