Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Vernon Funeral Home - Urbana

235 Miami Street

Urbana, Ohio

Thomas O'Brien Obituary

URBANA – Thomas Edward O'Brien, 84 of Urbana, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1940 in Urbana, Ohio, to the late Raymond and Catherine (Garry) O'Brien.

Tom was a man of many passions and talents. An avid fisherman, he found joy and peace on the water. He also loved woodworking, chainsaw carving, and gardening – hobbies through which he expressed his creativity and care for nature. A devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, Tom faithfully served as a long-time usher and choir member at St. Mary Church.

He began his working life at Stocksdale's Market in Urbana, starting as a bagger and eventually becoming the produce manager. He later built a successful 33-year career as a car salesman with Trenor Motors in Urbana, where he was known for his integrity and friendly spirit. Tom took great pride in sharing his many skills with his children and grandchildren, and nothing brought him more happiness than spending time surrounded by his beloved family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Judith Marie (Neer) O'Brien; children, Kelly (Eric) Grassle, Karen (Steve Mabry) O'Brien and Tim (Diana) O'Brien; 7 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Terry (Joann) O'Brien; sisters, Colleen Teets and Sharon (Gary) Young; special sister-in-law, Julie Flanigan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son; sister, Anne (Larry) Brugger; brothers-in-law, Pat Flanigan and Rocky Teets; as well as his nephew, Dan Flanigan.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 in the St. Mary Church with Father Gregory Konerman officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Dale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, 231 Washington Ave., Urbana, Ohio 43078.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.

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

Published by Urbana Daily Citizen from Apr. 24 to Apr. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Brien

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Bruce Howe

May 15, 2025

Dear Judy. I hope you will draw on all the good you and Tom had together. I wish the best for you and your family at this time.
Sincerely
Bruce

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas O'Brien's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas O'Brien

Apr

27

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Vernon Funeral Home

235 Miami Street, OH

Apr

28

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church

231 Washington St., OH

Funeral services provided by:

Vernon Funeral Home - Urbana

235 Miami Street, Urbana, OH 43078

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more