Thomas E. O'Brien

Thomas E. O'Brien 84, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at home with his wife and children by his side.  Tom was born on November 2, 1936 to Charles (Cuddy) and Shirley (Middleton) O'Brien at St. Mary's Hospital in DeKalb.

He attended McMurry Laboratory School and graduated from DeKalb Township High School in 1954.  He was accepted into the General Electric apprentice program in August of 1954.  He worked a variety of jobs at G.E. for 43 ½ years.  He retired in March of 1997 as the Plant Manager.

Tom and his wife Mary (Mills) were married six months after graduation and just celebrated 66 years of marriage on December 27, 2020.  Together they raised six children, Terri, Tom Jr., Marybeth, Tim, Susie and Patrick.  He was a member of St. Mary's Church and was a lay minister for years.  He joined the Elk's Club in DeKalb and was a Past Exalted Ruler.  He and his wife were his children's biggest fans as they enjoyed all their activities including swimming, baseball, 4-H, soccer, and track meets.

They enjoyed his retirement while traveling with neighbors every summer.  The trips included Nashville, The Smokies, Florida, Las Vegas, and California.  Their biggest thrill came in 2016 when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.  They attended two National League playoff games at Wrigley Field.  They also witnessed game three of the World Series in Chicago.

He is survived by his wife Mary (Mills), five children, Terri (Mark) Pheanis, Tom Jr. O'Brien, Tim (Denise) O'Brien, Susie Kim and Patrick (Andrea) O'Brien.  Eleven grandchildren; Erin, Sean, Kasie, Drew, Lauren, Kate, Brian, Brett, Joe, Kelly, and Maire. Six great grandchildren; Riley, Fiona, Jeremiah, Avani, Malia, and Naomi.  Sister Betty (Jay) Ward, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Charles (1954), a sister Shirley (2004), and his daughter Marybeth (2012).  Tom suffered from Alzheimer's Disease and the family is thankful for his friends and neighbors who helped them through this difficult time.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday January 8, 2021 at 10:30AM in St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Due to COVID-19 masks and social distancing will be required in the church. Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.