Judge E. Michael O'Brien, 82, of Peoria passed away Friday, March 1, 2013 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

Eugene Michael O'Brien was born in St. Joseph, Mo., on Nov. 22, 1930, to Evelyn (Hitt) and Eugene O'Brien. He married Terry Reynolds on July 28, 1979. She survives.

He also is survived by his children, Mary (Rich) Washelesky of Northbrook, Ill., Michelle (Charlie) Middleton of San Diego, Calif., Erin (Tom) Maloney of Peoria, Conor O'Brien of Chicago, Ill., Michael O'Brien of Springfield, Ill., Matt (Jennifer) O'Brien of Springfield, Ill., Dr. Amy O'Brien-Ladner of Kansas, Kathryn O'Brien of Kansas, Bridget Moreland of Kansas and Mary Adams of California; and 25 grandchildren. He also is survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Victor and Lucille Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

In 1953, he entered the U.S. Navy flight training program and served as an aviator until 1958, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander, and then entered the U.S. Navy Reserve flying program at U.S. NAS Glenview, Ill. He served as LTJG of Patrol Squadron Six, VP-6 Blue Sharks during the Korean War. During his military service he received Navy Commendation, the China Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1961.

He worked as assistant attorney general for the state of Illinois from 1961 until 1964. He was with the U.S. District Attorney's office until 1966 and then was an assistant state's attorney for the state of Illinois from 1966 until 1969.

In 1969, he was elected mayor of Peoria and served until 1973.

He returned to private practice in Peoria until 1990, when he was then appointed to an associate judgeship for the 10th Judicial Circuit. He retired from the bench in 2001.

He was a founding member of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). He further served on the Board of Directors and as president, offering aid and assistance to both lawyers and judges troubled by substance abuse. He also was a founding board member of the Proctor Chemical Center.

Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved spending time with his dogs. His favorite pastimes were fishing and watching Notre Dame football.

Special thanks to the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center staff and Methodist Home Health, especially Sandy, Lisa and Connie.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at St. Philomena Catholic Church. Father David Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. An additional visitation will be for one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Private burial services will take place at a later date.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ameel G. Rashid Addiction Recovery Center at Proctor and Sophie's Kitchen at St. Joseph's Church.