Thomas “Tom” M. O’Brien, age 95, of Minersville passed away on Friday January 28th, 2022 at the home of his son, Neal P. O’Brien.
If you are reading this, know full well that Tom is being taken care of by his beloved wife Wanda J. who he missed dearly, and is reunited with his cherished granddaughter Mackenzie.
Born May 11th, 1926, Tom 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. After graduating Tom entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his mother’s permission served during WWII 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 Tom’s career was interrupted as he was recalled to U.S. Navy active duty due to the Korean conflict serving aboard “THE JASON “in the Pacific theater. It was during this time while his ship was docked in San Francisco, CA that Tom met his perfect match, Wanda Ruth Johnson of Moscow, Idaho. Tom and Wanda were married on May 28th, 1951 at St. Vincent de Paul church Minersville, where they were fortunate to raise three sons, enjoyed a marriage of 62 years and be an integral part of the community. While raising a family and working Tom attended night school to continue to advance his career from teller to eventually becoming head cashier, bank president and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
From the beginning of his banking career, the ideal of the bank being a pillar of the community was instilled in him, he was an old-fashioned businessman who put a lot of trust in a handshake. If Tommy 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 “. Tom made many efforts to ensure that the First National Bank of Minersville supported worthwhile community projects until his retirement in 2013 after a 67-year career. He 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, Tom 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 Co. managing partner.
Tom enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family.
Tom was a life member of Minersville Fish & Game as well as Minersville Fire Rescue. He served as secretary and foreman of the former Independent Hose Company and was also a former member of the Fire Relief Association. Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 544 for the past 76 years, where he had served as former adjutant. Tom was also a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville (formally St. Vincent de Paul, where he was involved with the finance committee). Tom was a member of the National Rifle Association and stanch supporter of the 2nd amendment.
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.
Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda, granddaughter Mackenzie O’Brien, parents Michael & Catherine O’Brien and siblings Daniel O’Brien, Eileen O’Brien Spotts and Mary O’Brien Steranko, grandson in-law Brian Laudeman.
Tom is survived by his sister, Anne Chizauskie of Stowe, PA, his children James T. and wife 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 grandchildren Jimmy and Monica O’Brien, Jennifer Laudeman, Michael and Lauren O’Brien, Katie O’Brien, Shane O’Brien and his fiancé, Loren Morgan, and his granddog, best buddy and driving partner, Gunnar. His great-grandchildren Eila, Quin & Rowan O’Brien, Cali & Colt Laudeman, Ethan and Emerson O’Brien, as well as many nieces and nephews spread through out the country.
All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Mackenzie O’Brien scholarship fund at the Minersville Area High School or the Disabled American Veterans association, God Bless America!
. Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Tom’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com
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