Thomas O'Brien

O'Brien , Thomas
NASSAU - Thomas Vincent O'Brien was a kind, sweet, and loving brother, husband, uncle, and friend. He was a lifelong model builder and flyer, and all-around aviation nut. He left this world on November 13, 2024, at the age of 80.
Thomas was born to John Frances O'Brien and Carmina Louise Petro, in Waterbury, Conn. While attending the Sacred Heart High School, he became a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, in February of 1960. After graduating from the Sacred Heart High School in June of 1962, he was qualified and recognized as a sharpshooter and expert in the marksmanship qualification program by the National Rifle Association. He attended The University of Connecticut and he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in June of 1970, and while attending college, he was a member of the Theta Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, Thomas completed the Basic Programmer Training conducted by The Hartford Insurance Group and he became employed as a computer programmer/analyst at The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company. In 1972, he obtained and was issued a private pilot license for single-engine airplanes, and he enjoyed flying a Beechcraft Musketeer. On July 14, 1976, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Marek, and together they purchased land in Nassau, N.Y., and built a home in 1992. After moving to N.Y., Thomas worked at Fleet Bank in Albany, N.Y. His wife suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, and he lovingly cared for her until her death in 1999. Thomas has a stepson, Raymond Gawlik, who lives with his wife in Chicopee, Mass. Thomas' parents have passed; and he is survived by his sister, Louise (Peter Nelson) who lives in Martinsville, Va., and their three sons; and a number of cousins. He kept in close contact with his cousin, Chris Hirtler and his family throughout his life.
Thomas retired as a programmer/analyst. He loved airplanes and telescopes and, for fun, built and flew radio-controlled models. He was a member of the Flying Knights RC Club from Troy, N.Y., and he was a member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics), an Associate Member of the National Aeronautic Association, and he was granted the grade of Scientific Leader Member in August of 2009. From the mid-nineties until 2019, Tom and his club members rented a field in Ravena, N.Y., to fly radio-controlled airplanes, which was his passion. He loved the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War. Thomas taught Faith Formation classes at St. Mary's Church in Nassau, N.Y., and he was a gentle soul, patient, loving, kind, compassionate, and selfless person, who always put others before himself, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, Nassau on Tuesday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. His Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary's Church, 26 Church Street, Nassau, at 12 noon, and the burial will immediately follow at the St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Thomas to the Church of St. Mary, P.O. Box 435, Nassau, N.Y. 12123. Online condolences may be offered at Mooneyfuneralhome.com