Thomas Edward O'Brien

Thomas Edward O'Brien, 82, of Delaware, passed away on November 21st, peacefully, at his home surrounded by his loving family after fighting a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
He was born on September 17th, 1943 to the late Francis Michael and Addie Lee O'Brien. He married his beloved Beverly (Courter) O'Brien and celebrated 60 years of marriage last February 27th. Thomas was one of sixteen students to graduate from St. Mary's High School in 1962.
As a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Tom was very devoted to the Saint Mary's Parish. Throughout his years he volunteered as an usher during most weekend masses. Shortly after graduating from St. Mary's in 1965 he enlisted in the Army and proudly served during the Vietnam era. He spent six years with the Ohio Army Reserves on Pennsylvania Avenue.
After the passing of his father, Thomas became Co-Owner and Service Manager of O'Brien Oldsmobile GMC Truck. He took great pride in being apart of the family business that took care of Delaware's automotive needs for more than 50 years. After the Oldsmobile division dismantled he was employed as a car salesman for the Plaza and Chesrown family dealerships. He retired from his final job with the Delaware County Custodial Maintenance Department in 2019.
Tom enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Additionally, as a member of the National Antique Oldsmobiles Club (NAOC) one of his greatest passions was attending Car Shows with Bev and or his brother Michael. He took great pride in showing off his Black 1960 Ninety Eight Sedan and later his Baby Blue 1951 Olds Rocket 88 as he collected numerous awards for best in show. His favorite sport of choice was watching NASCAR Racing and was a huge Jeff Gordon fan.
Thomas is survived by his wife Beverly, his son Kelly (Teri) O'Brien from Worthington, daughter Robin (Michael) Welsh from Rockford Michigan; grandchildren Nicholas O'Brien, Allison (Jakob) Sprunger, Grace, Sarah and Adalynne Welsh; brother Michael (Carol) O'Brien, sister Patricia (Benson) Wilson, brother Jonathan (and the late Carol) O'Brien, as well as many nieces and nephews
Additionally, the family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice Group who helped us care for Dad while at home over the past ten and a half months. Social workers, Shaye and Rhonda, as well as dad's nurses Kat, Sarah, Megan,Sharron and Victoria were instrumental in providing the utmost professional and loving care for him during our darkest moments. Finally, an eternal thanks you goes out to Dads favorite nurses aid, Jen, who Nicknamed him "Tommy Pickles" and will forever be remembered for the relationship that was built through out our time spent together.
Friends may join the family on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Snyder Funeral Home, Delaware Chapel, 101 Valleyside Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015, where a Rosary Service will take place at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 82 East William Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015 with Rev. Fr. Denis Kigozi officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Delaware, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Delaware County Veterans Association. Please join the family back at Snyder Funeral Homes, for a luncheon provided by the St. Mary Bereavement Committee.
The family is requesting that in lieu of sending flowers please consider making a memorial donation in honor of Thomas to one of the following:Lewy Body Dementia Association lbda.org/donate/; Oldsmobile Museum https://re-olds-transportation-museum.square.site/product/donation/1?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false; Gentiva Hospice of Marion,1201 Delaware Ave., Marion Ohio 43302; St. Mary's Catholic Church, Delawarestmary.org/donate.
Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Home, Delaware Chapel is honored to serve this veteran and his family.