Thomas "Tom" M. O'Brien, 95, of Minersville passed away on Friday January 28, 2022 in the home of his son: Neal P. O'Brien.
Born May 11, 1926, he was the second of five children born to Michael F. & Catherine King O'Brien of the village of Glen Dower.
In 1941, Tom's family moved to Minersville and he graduated as part of the Minersville High School Class of 1944.
He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his mother's permission and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
After returning to Minersville, Tom began his long - lasting working career at the former First National Bank of Minersville as a Teller.
In 1950, his career was interrupted as he was recalled to U.S. Navy active duty due to the Korean conflict. He served aboard "THE JASON "in the Pacific theater. It was during this time - while his ship was docked in San Francisco, California - that he met his perfect match: Wanda Ruth Johnson of Moscow, Idaho.
Tom and Wanda were married on May 28th, 1951 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Minersville where they were fortunate to raise three sons, enjoy a marriage of sixty-two years, and be an integral part of the community.
While raising a family and working, he attended night school to advance his career from Teller to Head Cashier to Bank President and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
From the beginning of his banking career, the idea of the bank being a pillar of the community was instilled in him. Tom was an old-fashioned businessman who put a lot of trust in a handshake. If he knew you, you could walk out with a loan on just a hand shake and "We'll get to the paper work some other time."
He made many efforts to ensure that the First National Bank of Minersville supported worth-while community projects until his retirement in 2013 after a sixty-seven year career.
Tom was especially proud of being a founder of the Minersville Area Student Scholarship Fund in 1964 which has helped many Minersville Area High School graduates with funding their college education.
As part of his career in community banking, he served as President of the Schuylkill County Bankers Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
Tom continued to stay active up until his death with his duties as J. B. Cable TV Company managing partner.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville (formerly St. Vincent de Paul - where he was involved with the Finance Committee).
Tom was a Life Member of Minersville Fish & Game, the Minersville Fire Rescue, served as Secretary and Foreman of the former Independent Hose Company, was a former member of the Fire Relief Association, the American Legion Post 544 for the past seventy-six years and where he had served as Former Adjutant, and, the National Rifle Association where he was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family.
Above all of his achievements, family was Tom's GREATEST joy and he took pride in using real-life experiences to teach his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren values such as: Integrity, Honesty, Humbleness, and a strong Work Ethic.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-two years: Wanda Ruth Johnson O'Brien; his granddaughter: Mackenzie O'Brien; his grandson-in-law: Brian R. Laudeman; his sisters: Eileen O'Brien Spotts and Mary O'Brien Steranko; and, his brother: Daniel O'Brien.
If you are reading this, know full well that Tom is being taken care of by his beloved wife: Wanda J. whom he missed dearly and is reunited with his cherished granddaughter: Mackenzie.
He is survived by his sons: James T. (Josephine) O'Brien of Minersville, David P. O'Brien and companion Peggy Prebula of Weatherly, and Neal P. O'Brien of West West Terrace; his granddaughters: Monica O'Brien, Jennifer Laudeman, Lauren O'Brien, and Katie O'Brien; his grandsons: Jimmy O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, and Shane O'Brien and his fiancé, Loren Morgan; his great-granddaughters: Eila O'Brien and Cali Laudeman; his great-grandsons: Quin O'Brien, Rowan O'Brien, Colt Laudeman, Ethan O'Brien, and Emerson O'Brien; his sister: Anne Chizauskie of Stowe; his nieces and nephews; and, his granddog, best buddy, and driving partner: Gunnar.
All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, February 04, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
Butler Funeral Home, Minersville
F1 US NAVY
END3 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA
Born May 11, 1926, he was the second of five children born to Michael F. & Catherine King O'Brien of the village of Glen Dower.
In 1941, Tom's family moved to Minersville and he graduated as part of the Minersville High School Class of 1944.
He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his mother's permission and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
After returning to Minersville, Tom began his long - lasting working career at the former First National Bank of Minersville as a Teller.
In 1950, his career was interrupted as he was recalled to U.S. Navy active duty due to the Korean conflict. He served aboard "THE JASON "in the Pacific theater. It was during this time - while his ship was docked in San Francisco, California - that he met his perfect match: Wanda Ruth Johnson of Moscow, Idaho.
Tom and Wanda were married on May 28th, 1951 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Minersville where they were fortunate to raise three sons, enjoy a marriage of sixty-two years, and be an integral part of the community.
While raising a family and working, he attended night school to advance his career from Teller to Head Cashier to Bank President and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
From the beginning of his banking career, the idea of the bank being a pillar of the community was instilled in him. Tom was an old-fashioned businessman who put a lot of trust in a handshake. If he knew you, you could walk out with a loan on just a hand shake and "We'll get to the paper work some other time."
He made many efforts to ensure that the First National Bank of Minersville supported worth-while community projects until his retirement in 2013 after a sixty-seven year career.
Tom was especially proud of being a founder of the Minersville Area Student Scholarship Fund in 1964 which has helped many Minersville Area High School graduates with funding their college education.
As part of his career in community banking, he served as President of the Schuylkill County Bankers Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
Tom continued to stay active up until his death with his duties as J. B. Cable TV Company managing partner.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville (formerly St. Vincent de Paul - where he was involved with the Finance Committee).
Tom was a Life Member of Minersville Fish & Game, the Minersville Fire Rescue, served as Secretary and Foreman of the former Independent Hose Company, was a former member of the Fire Relief Association, the American Legion Post 544 for the past seventy-six years and where he had served as Former Adjutant, and, the National Rifle Association where he was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family.
Above all of his achievements, family was Tom's GREATEST joy and he took pride in using real-life experiences to teach his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren values such as: Integrity, Honesty, Humbleness, and a strong Work Ethic.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-two years: Wanda Ruth Johnson O'Brien; his granddaughter: Mackenzie O'Brien; his grandson-in-law: Brian R. Laudeman; his sisters: Eileen O'Brien Spotts and Mary O'Brien Steranko; and, his brother: Daniel O'Brien.
If you are reading this, know full well that Tom is being taken care of by his beloved wife: Wanda J. whom he missed dearly and is reunited with his cherished granddaughter: Mackenzie.
He is survived by his sons: James T. (Josephine) O'Brien of Minersville, David P. O'Brien and companion Peggy Prebula of Weatherly, and Neal P. O'Brien of West West Terrace; his granddaughters: Monica O'Brien, Jennifer Laudeman, Lauren O'Brien, and Katie O'Brien; his grandsons: Jimmy O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, and Shane O'Brien and his fiancé, Loren Morgan; his great-granddaughters: Eila O'Brien and Cali Laudeman; his great-grandsons: Quin O'Brien, Rowan O'Brien, Colt Laudeman, Ethan O'Brien, and Emerson O'Brien; his sister: Anne Chizauskie of Stowe; his nieces and nephews; and, his granddog, best buddy, and driving partner: Gunnar.
All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, February 04, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
Butler Funeral Home, Minersville
F1 US NAVY
END3 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA
Thomas "Tom" M. O'Brien, 95, of Minersville passed away on Friday January 28, 2022 in the home of his son: Neal P. O'Brien.
Born May 11, 1926, he was the second of five children born to Michael F. & Catherine King O'Brien of the village of Glen Dower.
In 1941, Tom's family moved to Minersville and he graduated as part of the Minersville High School Class of 1944.
He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his mother's permission and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
After returning to Minersville, Tom began his long - lasting working career at the former First National Bank of Minersville as a Teller.
In 1950, his career was interrupted as he was recalled to U.S. Navy active duty due to the Korean conflict. He served aboard "THE JASON "in the Pacific theater. It was during this time - while his ship was docked in San Francisco, California - that he met his perfect match: Wanda Ruth Johnson of Moscow, Idaho.
Tom and Wanda were married on May 28th, 1951 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Minersville where they were fortunate to raise three sons, enjoy a marriage of sixty-two years, and be an integral part of the community.
While raising a family and working, he attended night school to advance his career from Teller to Head Cashier to Bank President and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
From the beginning of his banking career, the idea of the bank being a pillar of the community was instilled in him. Tom was an old-fashioned businessman who put a lot of trust in a handshake. If he knew you, you could walk out with a loan on just a hand shake and "We'll get to the paper work some other time."
He made many efforts to ensure that the First National Bank of Minersville supported worth-while community projects until his retirement in 2013 after a sixty-seven year career.
Tom was especially proud of being a founder of the Minersville Area Student Scholarship Fund in 1964 which has helped many Minersville Area High School graduates with funding their college education.
As part of his career in community banking, he served as President of the Schuylkill County Bankers Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
Tom continued to stay active up until his death with his duties as J. B. Cable TV Company managing partner.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville (formerly St. Vincent de Paul - where he was involved with the Finance Committee).
Tom was a Life Member of Minersville Fish & Game, the Minersville Fire Rescue, served as Secretary and Foreman of the former Independent Hose Company, was a former member of the Fire Relief Association, the American Legion Post 544 for the past seventy-six years and where he had served as Former Adjutant, and, the National Rifle Association where he was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family.
Above all of his achievements, family was Tom's GREATEST joy and he took pride in using real-life experiences to teach his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren values such as: Integrity, Honesty, Humbleness, and a strong Work Ethic.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-two years: Wanda Ruth Johnson O'Brien; his granddaughter: Mackenzie O'Brien; his grandson-in-law: Brian R. Laudeman; his sisters: Eileen O'Brien Spotts and Mary O'Brien Steranko; and, his brother: Daniel O'Brien.
If you are reading this, know full well that Tom is being taken care of by his beloved wife: Wanda J. whom he missed dearly and is reunited with his cherished granddaughter: Mackenzie.
He is survived by his sons: James T. (Josephine) O'Brien of Minersville, David P. O'Brien and companion Peggy Prebula of Weatherly, and Neal P. O'Brien of West West Terrace; his granddaughters: Monica O'Brien, Jennifer Laudeman, Lauren O'Brien, and Katie O'Brien; his grandsons: Jimmy O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, and Shane O'Brien and his fiancé, Loren Morgan; his great-granddaughters: Eila O'Brien and Cali Laudeman; his great-grandsons: Quin O'Brien, Rowan O'Brien, Colt Laudeman, Ethan O'Brien, and Emerson O'Brien; his sister: Anne Chizauskie of Stowe; his nieces and nephews; and, his granddog, best buddy, and driving partner: Gunnar.
All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, February 04, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
Butler Funeral Home, Minersville
F1 US NAVY
END3 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA
Born May 11, 1926, he was the second of five children born to Michael F. & Catherine King O'Brien of the village of Glen Dower.
In 1941, Tom's family moved to Minersville and he graduated as part of the Minersville High School Class of 1944.
He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his mother's permission and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
After returning to Minersville, Tom began his long - lasting working career at the former First National Bank of Minersville as a Teller.
In 1950, his career was interrupted as he was recalled to U.S. Navy active duty due to the Korean conflict. He served aboard "THE JASON "in the Pacific theater. It was during this time - while his ship was docked in San Francisco, California - that he met his perfect match: Wanda Ruth Johnson of Moscow, Idaho.
Tom and Wanda were married on May 28th, 1951 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Minersville where they were fortunate to raise three sons, enjoy a marriage of sixty-two years, and be an integral part of the community.
While raising a family and working, he attended night school to advance his career from Teller to Head Cashier to Bank President and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
From the beginning of his banking career, the idea of the bank being a pillar of the community was instilled in him. Tom was an old-fashioned businessman who put a lot of trust in a handshake. If he knew you, you could walk out with a loan on just a hand shake and "We'll get to the paper work some other time."
He made many efforts to ensure that the First National Bank of Minersville supported worth-while community projects until his retirement in 2013 after a sixty-seven year career.
Tom was especially proud of being a founder of the Minersville Area Student Scholarship Fund in 1964 which has helped many Minersville Area High School graduates with funding their college education.
As part of his career in community banking, he served as President of the Schuylkill County Bankers Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
Tom continued to stay active up until his death with his duties as J. B. Cable TV Company managing partner.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville (formerly St. Vincent de Paul - where he was involved with the Finance Committee).
Tom was a Life Member of Minersville Fish & Game, the Minersville Fire Rescue, served as Secretary and Foreman of the former Independent Hose Company, was a former member of the Fire Relief Association, the American Legion Post 544 for the past seventy-six years and where he had served as Former Adjutant, and, the National Rifle Association where he was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family.
Above all of his achievements, family was Tom's GREATEST joy and he took pride in using real-life experiences to teach his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren values such as: Integrity, Honesty, Humbleness, and a strong Work Ethic.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-two years: Wanda Ruth Johnson O'Brien; his granddaughter: Mackenzie O'Brien; his grandson-in-law: Brian R. Laudeman; his sisters: Eileen O'Brien Spotts and Mary O'Brien Steranko; and, his brother: Daniel O'Brien.
If you are reading this, know full well that Tom is being taken care of by his beloved wife: Wanda J. whom he missed dearly and is reunited with his cherished granddaughter: Mackenzie.
He is survived by his sons: James T. (Josephine) O'Brien of Minersville, David P. O'Brien and companion Peggy Prebula of Weatherly, and Neal P. O'Brien of West West Terrace; his granddaughters: Monica O'Brien, Jennifer Laudeman, Lauren O'Brien, and Katie O'Brien; his grandsons: Jimmy O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, and Shane O'Brien and his fiancé, Loren Morgan; his great-granddaughters: Eila O'Brien and Cali Laudeman; his great-grandsons: Quin O'Brien, Rowan O'Brien, Colt Laudeman, Ethan O'Brien, and Emerson O'Brien; his sister: Anne Chizauskie of Stowe; his nieces and nephews; and, his granddog, best buddy, and driving partner: Gunnar.
All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, February 04, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
Butler Funeral Home, Minersville
F1 US NAVY
END3 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA
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