San Leandro, California

Thomas Cyril O’Brien, Jr., a 70-year resident of San Leandro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023, with family at his side. He was 98 years old. A proud third-generation Oaklander with strong Irish roots, Tom grew up in East Oakland with his parents Thomas C. O’Brien, Sr., and Helen Loretta Rowe O’Brien, and his five sisters, whom he adored. Tom served honorably in the Naval Armed Guard during World War II, enlisting at age 17. He joined the Oakland Fire Department in 1948 and had a 29-year career there at a variety of stations, and as a city fire inspector. Tom and his wife Dolores married in 1953 and raised five children in their home of 70 years in Washington Manor. Watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow brought Tom great joy and pride. A founding member of St. Felicitas Church, Tom served on parish councils, was a past president of the St. Felicitas Men’s Club, and was a Eucharistic minister. He also performed in parish musicals with his family and friends. Tom was a member of the Young Men’s Institute Council #8 and the historian for SIR Branch #26.He and Dolores were members of the Christian Family Movement; strong friendships with the families of CFM have been life-long. Tom loved to golf.

As a member of the “The Swingers” Golf Club for many years, he enjoyed the comradery of his fellow golfers. He also loved to cook, bake, garden, and build or dream about building anything. He cheered on the Oakland Raiders, 49ers, Warriors and As, and was a voracious reader and inexhaustible storyteller. He claimed between his stint in the Navy and his travels with Dolores, he had visited 43 countries around the world. But frequent trips to Lake Tahoe with his family and friends were highlights of their travels. Tom is survived by his loving wife Dolores; children Kathy Mirtallo (Mick), Diane Musumeci (Mike), Patrick O’Brien (Rebecca), Tom O’Brien ( Jan) and Kevin O’Brien (Laura); grandchildren Michael (Chrissy), Gina, Sarah (Marcus), Ryan, Rachel (Paul), Daniel (Olivia) and Katie; great-grandchildren Liam, River and Ramona; sisters Janie and Theresa; and a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Helen, and his sisters Helen, Bernice and Margie. Tom was dearly loved, and will be missed by all!

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., St. Felicitas Church, 1662 Manor Blvd., San Leandro, CA. A viewing at the church that day will be from 10:00-10:45 a.m., before the mass. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, November 21, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to St. Anne Village, a nonprofit offering programs and respite to seniors with cognitive issues, and their families: https://www.stannevillage.com/. St. Anne Village, P.O. Box 374, Byron, CA 94514.