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Thomas Patrick O'Brien Sr.

Thomas Patrick O'Brien Sr. obituary, Baltimore, MD

Thomas O'Brien Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Patrick O'Brien, Sr. of Ellicott City, MD, announces his passing on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the age of 84. Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Janet (nee, Stamm) and his children, Marianne Pulio (Stephen), Elizabeth Baker (Thomas), Thomas Patrick O'Brien, Jr. (Donna) and Suzanne O'Brien-Kobus (Edward) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, Tom was predeceased in death by his oldest son, James Timothy O'Brien. Tom will also be remembered by his younger brothers, Xavier O'Brien and Michael O'Brien along with many nieces and nephews. Tom was a great husband, father, friend and leader who made significant impact on the many people he met. Born to a large Irish family on June 21, 1936 in Baltimore, Tom was a role model to many. A proud graduate of Mt. St Joseph high school, Tom went on to marry the love of his life, Janet. Tom began a career with the local phone company. He became a very active member of the union, accelerating to being named President of Local Union CWA 2100 and 2103, bettering the lives of many workers. Upon his retirement, Tom spent much of his time giving to others. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and loved to cook and bake. He assisted in the catering of many weddings and developed a talent for making wedding cakes. Tom was also actively involved in a multitude of charities and held yearly fund raisers with his family for Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. In light of the current pandemic circumstances, a private Catholic mass will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate for you to remember Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Baltimore City.

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Published by Baltimore Sun on Aug. 30, 2020.

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Terri (Cooney) Freson

August 24, 2023

Our Deepest Condolences to All of You! Your Family is in Our Thoughts and Prayers!

Terry & Larry Vandevander

September 2, 2020

In loving memory of such a Wonderful Friend & Neighbor We will miss you always, Love Terry & Larry Vandevander

Noelle

September 2, 2020

Your finally in paradise shining down on us all with that great big grin of yours letting us know you know the secret to life.
I never thought you would leave and I would have to finally say goodbye. It still doesn’t seem real.
You were more than just my Pop. You were a man who helped raise me. Growing up we spent summers at your house learning new things to use in this crazy journey called life. You taught all of us grandkids how swim at the pool. Basically tossing us in and saying if you wanna be able to hang in the deep end and do the diving board or slide you better learn to paddle-no one drowned thankfully . And let’s not forget those waves at the ocean, you always went out to jump them with us whenever we wanted to go. You taught me how to cut the grass and how to parallel park-I’m a pro now as long as I park on the right hand side ♀. You passed your love of cooking and baking down to me, and the kitchen is the one place I love being especially for the holidays. Don’t worry I will try to master a rose one day, you made it seem soo easy. You taught me the importance of a good strong work ethic and always said where ever you go you carry my name. You taught us all how to love unconditionally and that family always comes first. Friends become an extension of your family and always see the good people even when they make a mistake. You taught us all to be grateful for what we have and have been given. You also told us to always hide a twenty in your wallet because you never know when you will need it. Always say your prayers and give thanks.
You were amazing great grandpa to my babies as well. They loved spending time and learning from you. They learned that love of ice cream too. You would be so proud of who they are becoming and how smart they are, they amaze me everyday.
I wish I had more time with you but I know life is a precious gift we are given whether be short or long. I am grateful for the time I did have with you. Goodbye seems way to final and I know it’s not forever, it’s until I see you again. I love you so much. Please watch over us all and save us a seat up there.

Nicki LeCompte

September 2, 2020

I remember going over to Gran and Pop's many times throughout the summer as a kid. Caitie, Noelle, Miss Suzanne and Gran, I'm so very sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family.

Nicki

Beth Baker

September 1, 2020

T-Terrific loving father, husband and friend no one could ask for more.
H-Honest to the core of his being. Didn't care for dishonesty.
O-Obligated to his commitments never letting you down.
M-Mentoring many people-he would "take you under his wing".
A-Awesomely welcoming to all-you became part of "his family".
S-Strong-willed after his shunt surgery, had to go to rehab. but determined to get home to Mom.

P-Prayers rolled off his tongue even after the Alzheimer's was taking over.
A-Available to listen when you needed advice.
T-Tremendously loved by many people in his life.
R-Rallied people together to get things done. I don't believe anyone would say "no" because they knew he
would be there for them.
I-Ice Cream was always a welcomed treat.
C-Christian Faith gave him the foundation for his wonderful life he shared with all.
K-Kindness filled my Dad's heart.

O-Our Daily Bread commitment through benefit dinners and taking extra food he had prepared.
B-Baker who made the most amazing cakes-nothing like having a "basket decorated cake" for a
Longaberger basket party.
R-Religious man who never questioned his Faith.
I-Intelligent if he didn't know how to do something he would figure it out.
E-Enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The children loved spending time with their "Pop"
who would make them homemade fresh potato chips, cakes, etc.
N-Now with his Heavenly Family.

We miss you very much Dad but we will meet at the "Pearly Gates" one day.

Your loving daughter,
Beth

Tom “Bake” Baker

September 1, 2020

If able to personally select a Father-in-Law, I could not have chosen a better man than Tom O’Brien Sr. There were so many quality traits, too many to capture them all.
One of the first things that impressed me was Dad working endless amount of overtime to earn extra money taking care of his family and saving to go on special vacations. He believed in traveling; encouraging us not to wait before perhaps not being able. Beth and I love our road trips, and Dad helped instill that enjoyment in our lives.
Dad was extremely charitable, often dedicating many hours preparing, cooking, and hosting events at the Knights of Columbus in Catonsville. If you needed help, Dad consistently did what he could to ensure you received that assistance.
Once his children started having children, Dad was in his glory. All of the grandkids and great grandkids loved spending time with Pop and Granny. Their home was a vacation oasis for the kids.
Dad was a man of integrity and courage. He raised his kids to be honest and to work hard. The last years of Dad’s life were tough ones dealing with Alzheimer’s, but Dad courageously battled it.
I am a better person for having known Tom O’Brien Sr., and I will forever cherish our times together. May he RIP and we will see one another again.

Caitie Zurawski

August 31, 2020

Words can’t even express what you meant to our family. Anyone whoever met you loved you dearly. Continue to watch over us all. I hope you’re enjoying a cold one in heaven with Uncle Timmy and Leo!

Donnie Berry

August 31, 2020

Pop was one of the greatest people I've ever had the privilege of knowing, and his loving and caring nature lives on in so many of the people who were lucky enough to be around him. Although I wasn't blood family, I always felt welcomed. He is greatly missed.

David M Evans

August 31, 2020

We are sorry for your loss.

David M Evans

August 31, 2020

We are sorry for your loss.

Colleen Thomas

August 31, 2020

Rest in peace dear Uncle Tom,
Thank you for always being a wonderful example of family to me. From the time I was a baby through adulthood. You always could make me smile, You and Aunt Janet always welcomed and opened up your house to family, friends, and even cats!!! The time spent at your home with your family was one I will always treasure as a child. The rowhouse on Williston Street was a great and fun house, I so enjoyed playing in the alley ways and you and Aunt Janet cooking specialty dishes for me, like grilled cheese and hotdogs!!! I loved your wisdom, wit, and humor. You were a strong shoulder to cry on for me when my Dad passed You taught me about giving back and feeding the hungry by helping at Our Daily Bread and to this day that is what I am doing with a local homeless mission and food pantry. I thank you for showing and giving me that passion. Your strong commitment to family and the love you had for your wonderful wife, Aunt Janet has been a wonderful example for us all in the O'Brien family. Thank you!!! I love you and I am so glad you are restored in Jesus' care and are with many loved family members, especially your dear son, Timmy and my Mom and Dad!! Until we meet again!

Colleen Thomas

August 31, 2020

Michael G. O'Brien

August 31, 2020

He was a great brother, roll mode and friend. A good person to look up to.

Terri (Cooney) Freson

August 31, 2020

Tommy, Suzanne and Family, we so sorry for your loss. Your family was always Special yo The Cooneys! You all are in Our Thoughts & Prayers!

Walt and Colleen Helmlinger

August 30, 2020

OB, we were sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Donna, your Mom and your family during this time. We are sorry we aren’t able to pay our condolences in person. Your Dad was a great guy a and he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He has joined his dear friend Miss Kathy in heaven!

Suzanne O'Brien

August 30, 2020

What an amazing journey you have taken your family on. From being my dad to one of my best friends, I have learned so much about kindness, truth, love and fairness. You have taught me to always be moral, to take care of others and to give of myself by your shining example. Over the last day, I have hear many stories of what a great man your were, but it is not surprise to me as I had the honor of being your daughter. Thank you for all that you have instilled in me and the trust you had for me to grow into the women I have become. I have been so Blessed to be part of your journey. What an amazing journey you have taken your family on. From being my dad to one of my best friends, I have learned so much about kindness, truth, love and fairness. You have taught me to always be moral, to take care of others and to give of myself by your shining example. Over the last day, I have heard many stories of what a great man you were, but it is no surprise to me as I had the honor of being your daughter. Thank you for all that you have instilled in me and the trust you had for me to grow into the woman I have become. I have been so Blessed to be part of your journey.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.
Love forever....until we meet again, Suzanne.

Pete Mezzadra

August 30, 2020

So sorry to hear this. Met Tom working as a contractor for the phone company 35 years ago. Became friends though the working relationship. Great man and I always had the utmost respect for him. Been years since seeing him last but would think of him often when talking to my best friend who worked for the phone company also. My condolences to the entire O’Brien family. Pete Mezzadra

Carl Coburn

August 30, 2020

Tom , You were the Man !. Always there to help others and to pitch in no matter what the task was. God's Speed old friend ,May you Rest In Eternal Peace !!!

Heather O'Brien Dixon

August 29, 2020

So many wonderful memories of an amazing, kind and generous man. He brightened every room he entered and I don’t think he knew a stranger. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Cetta (Faggio) Ruzicka

August 29, 2020

Ms. Janet and family,
I was so saddened to read about Mr. Tom. He was so good to everyone and I won’t forget his kindness to my parents. He and Dad were a good KC TEAM. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. He is in Heaven with DAD, planning trips and selling chances. God bless you during this difficult time.

Emily Fleming

August 29, 2020

Heaven became more beautiful when it welcomed my dearest brother-in-Law, Tom. He was my mentor and my “big brother” for most of my life. He was full of love and kindness, and I will keep him, and my memories forever in my heart.

Anne Byrum

August 29, 2020

Jeff and I will certainly miss his loving personality and how he cared about everyone. RIP Uncle Tom! Im sure your wings are large! Love Anne and Jeff Byrum

Mark & Sheila Kirth

August 29, 2020

Uncle Tommy will be missed. He is now made whole in Christ Jesus as he sits at the banquet table of our Lord. My love and prayers for the whole family.

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