Tom O'Brien Obituary
Predeceased by his wife Eleanor O'Brien in 2018 after 43 years of marriage. Proud and devoted father of Kerry O'Brien and his wife Krista and Kevin O'Brien and his wife Stephanie. Beloved Papa to Desmond, Blake, Scarlett, and Molly.
Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Frances (nee Roche) O'Brien. Survived by his siblings Rick (Martha), Kevin (Helen), Jan Nusca (Paul) and Barry (Carita), and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was a high school teacher and basketball coach at St. David's CSS in Waterloo, and also coached many years at University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and University of Guelph. He was known for his devotion to his players and students, his passion for teaching and learning, and his endearing (if sometimes cheesy) sense of humour. After retiring, he devoted himself to his grandchildren, often running them to or from daycare as long as his illness allowed him to.
Tom's family will receive relatives and friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 21, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. each day. To attend the visitation, please wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and register (RSVP) by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. A private memorial service (by invitation) will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and a link is available at the top of Tom's obituary page at www.erbgood.com
Due to compromised immune systems, the family kindly requests that all people attending be fully vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or the Hospice of Waterloo Region may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
12 Entries
Adrienne Cillis Linder
February 21, 2022
My condolences to the O´Brien family. Tom coached me at UW in the 90s. He would say: Put God first, then family then academics, then basketball. I am now telling this wisdom to my kids. Thanks, Coach O´Brien.
Ed D’Andrea
October 22, 2021
What a privledge it was to have been able to teach with Tom at Fr John Redmond HS. He was a great teacher and coaxh as well as being a genuine person who loved to laugh. My sincere condolebces to the famuly.
Peter Baxter
October 21, 2021
Sincere Condolences to the O'Brien Family on Behalf of the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. Tom was an Assistant Coach with both the Men's and Women's program in the 80's and 90's. Tom made a difference in the lives of those he coached. He was a Coach who was empathetic and compassionate towards his players, a teacher, mentor, and coach who always focused on serving others with his kindness! Rest in peace Tom! Peter Baxter
Marija Marcinko
October 20, 2021
Tom was my basketball coach at MPSJ in the 80’s. He was brilliant and such a great man. His love for basketball was infectious. May he Rest In Peace.
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Larry Distillio
October 20, 2021
Condolences to all the family. Tom was a great teacher and mentor in our days at Father John Redmond. He leaves a great legacy with many students over the years.
Lidia
October 20, 2021
Mr. O'Brien was my Theology teacher and Basketball coach at Fr. John Redmond in 1985/1986. He was a great mentor and was also one of the most positive people I've ever known. He always encouraged us to be our best. His cheesy sense of humour always brought a smile and I appreciated everything he did for me. My sincerest condolences to his family. This is a great loss.
Gary Jeffries
October 19, 2021
My condolences to the entire OBrien family. Tom was a wonderful person and coach! A special mentor to so many young people through his teaching and coaching. A gentleman who truly cared for all his student athletes. I was so fortunate to know Tom and work with him at WLU...he was indeed special! Tom will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace kind soul❤
Anne
October 18, 2021
Mr O’Brien taught me in the late 90’s at St David and has always been a teacher that I am grateful for and think fondly of all these years later. He cared about his students, he loved to joke around and tell stories and he had a way of making you feel like you were special, not just another student in the sea of many. My condolences to his family on the loss of a wonderful man.
Adam Steiner
October 18, 2021
He was one of my favourite teachers at St. David's...(even though he was a Red Wings fan).
R.I.P. Mr. O'Brien
Laura Duchesne
October 16, 2021
My condolences to Tom's family and friends. Mr. O'Brian taught me Religion in high school many years ago. I'll always remember him for his warm smile and kindness.
Theresa A Burns
October 16, 2021
I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was my coach in grade 11-13 club basketball and planted the love of the game of basketball in me. He was also our Assistant Coach at the University of Toronto where he continued to coach, mentor , support us ...and yes, make us smile with his cheesy jokes. Tom was a tremendously impactful person in my life. Tom cared deeply about his athletes ...He always gave me a shoulder to lean on as my coach and later as adults and coaching colleagues he was a dear, dear friend. Tom was a gift to our sport and to all those who knew him . I'll miss him and send my deepest sympathies
to his family and friends.
Pam Garbutt
October 16, 2021
What an amazing coach . He managed teams with integrity, expertise and personal interest in the development of every player . Highly respected by students and parents . Tom made such a huge positive impact on so may people. I am glad I had the opportunity to tell him this in person.
Thank you Tom for developing people for the court of life !
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171 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P7
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