Obituary of Tom O'Brien

To register (RSVP) for visitation, please click here

To view the livestream of Tom's service, please click here

Tom passed away peacefully, after a struggle with cancer, at Hospice of Waterloo Region on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the age of 74.

Predeceased by his wife Eleanor O’Brien in 2018 after 43 years of marriage.  Proud and devoted father of Kerry O’Brien and his wife Krista and Kevin O’Brien and his wife Stephanie.  Beloved Papa to Desmond, Blake, Scarlett, and Molly.  

Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Frances (nee Roche) O’Brien. Survived by his siblings Rick (Martha), Kevin (Helen), Jan Nusca (Paul) and Barry (Carita), and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was a high school teacher and basketball coach at St. David’s CSS in Waterloo, and also coached many years at University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and University of Guelph. He was known for his devotion to his players and students, his passion for teaching and learning, and his endearing (if sometimes cheesy) sense of humour. After retiring, he devoted himself to his grandchildren, often running them to or from daycare as long as his illness allowed him to.

Tom’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 21, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. each day. To attend the visitation, please wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and register (RSVP) by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. A private memorial service (by invitation) will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and a link is available at the top of Tom’s obituary page at www.erbgood.com

Due to compromised immune systems, the family kindly requests that all people attending be fully vaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (through the Grand River Hospital Foundation) or the Hospice of Waterloo Region may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.