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THOMAS JOSEPH O'BRIEN

THOMAS O'BRIEN Obituary

O'BRIEN

THOMAS JOSEPH, 85, on Jan. 18, 2011, of Mobile, Alabama, formerly of Phila. Beloved husband of Rita Catherine (nee Lyons); father of Suzanne Regina de Sanctis, Thomas J., Jr., Edward Michael, Rose-marie Rita Jones and the late Patrick Dennis. He is survived by his sister Mary Walker and predeceased by brothers Charles, Robert and Austin; also survived by 14 grand-children and 3 great grand-children. Mr. O'Brien was a graduate of Philadelphia's West Catholic High School, class of 1943 and St. Joseph's College class of 1951. He served in World War II (1943-1945) as a Corporal in the famed 101st "Screaming Eagles" airborne division. After honorable discharge, he spent most of his career employed by the U.S. Government, primarily in management posts of the space program (NASA). He worked on the Hubbel Telescope Project and the Tidres Satellite Program. While in the war, he saw action in three major European campaigns: The Normandy Invasion, the Battle of the Bulge and in "Operation Market Garden" in the East Netherlands. A veteran of 37 total jumps, O'Brien was decordated with two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and the Expert Infantryman Medal. He recounted some of his battle experiences in a published memoir "Return to Bastogne". By those who knew him, Mr. O'Brien was always noted for his ready smile, quick wit, deep love for his wife Rita and family and an abiding commitment to his Catholic faith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. at St. Philip and James Church, 107 N. Ship Road (corner of Rt. 30), Exton, PA on Monday Jan. 24th; Viewing from 9:30 till 11 A.M. in the church. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery, Gulph and Matson Ford Rd., West Conshohocken, PA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Jan. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS O'BRIEN

18 Entries

Suzanne de Sanctis

January 16, 2025

Thinking of you Dad and counting my blessings that you were my Dad. I love you and miss you but carry you in my heart always. Love, daughter Sue

Suzanne de Sanctis

January 14, 2023

Thinking of you Dad more and more as Jan. 18 approaches. I am glad your Rita is with her Tommy in heaven. I love you both dearly.

Sue de sanctis

January 18, 2012

I am thinking of you Dad and can't get over the fact that a year has passed already. We are trying to live as you would want us to-full of life, fun and love. Just like you!.

John Gast

February 9, 2011

Tom was also a member of the 17th Airborne Division, the 513th Parachute Infantry. We served together in Germany.
We had reunions of the 513th for 50 years on Labor Day weekend and spent lots of good times with him and Rita. He was lots of fun and a good friend! Our condolences to his loved ones! We shall miss him!
John L. Gast

February 2, 2011

Everyone who ever met Tom loved his Irish wit and his love for his family especially Rita. The neighbors use to call them Barbie and Ken as they would walk doen the street holding hands.He will be greatly missed at any neighborhood get together as he always ended up the center of attention with his stories and jokes, I loved him and miss him.
The Girl who Burns Her Debts

Cissy Cain

February 2, 2011

Tom was not only a good neighbor and friend but I considered him as a second father and grandfather. He was with us 21 years and saw my children grow up and was able to see my first grandson. I will miss him. Good people are hard to forget.

Jan Paytas

February 1, 2011

Dear Rita, John and I were so sorry to hear..... I loved Tom and his hunmor and his card playing in Irlenad wasn't too bad either... will miss seeing him! Jan and John Paytas

Anne Creamer

January 24, 2011

Dear Uncle Tommy, Thanks for being so good to me and protecting me like one of your own. I'll always remember all our good times together. Love,

January 23, 2011

Dear Uncle Tommy,
You and Aunt Rita are wonderful role models as well as wonderful people. Thanks for showing the way.
Love,
Kathy & Tom Walls

January 23, 2011

Dear Uncle Tommy,
How I loved your hugs and big smile...we will miss you...rest in peace
Lizann and Jim

January 22, 2011

Don't EVER say grandchildren don't have magical powers of language with thier grandparents. Big Pop showed me through only marbles, the best jar vision anyone could ever have. God Bless him! Dominique de Sanctis: He always told me "AlWAYS have faith in Yourself." Amen.

Austin O'Brien

January 22, 2011

Uncle Tommy,
We will miss your warm smile along with your wonderful wit and sense of humor. Much like your beloved Tastykakes, "no one did it better" when it came to humoring people and making them want to be wherever you were. Love,
Austin O'Brien & family

Chris Leon

January 22, 2011

Lisa,Justin,and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of you.I will always remember his sense of humor and how kind he was to me.May God bless all of you during this time.

Chris Leon

January 22, 2011

Lisa,Justin,and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of you..May God bless all of you during this time..I will always remember his sense of humor and how kind he always was to me.

Love,Chris Leon

Joseph Cutuli

January 21, 2011

Thank you for your service for our country. RIP

Donna Francavilla

January 21, 2011

My favorite memory will always be when you met my Father at Mike and Michelle's engagement party. The two of you laughed and celebrated your long lives. You were delightful. You will be missed.