Obituary of Donald Thomas O'Brien, Sr.

Donald Thomas “Tom” O’Brien, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

Born July 3, 1934, in Medina, he was a son of the late Francis Edward and Margaret Elizabeth (Kelly) O’Brien.

A graduate of Medina High School class of 1952, Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He married the former Carol Gotts on June 6, 1959, and together, they raised a family of five children.

Tom was employed by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and retired as a chief line mechanic in 1994 after 38 years. He also assisted with his family’s business, O’Brien’s Tavern, before its sale in 1971. Tom worked at Cooper Funeral Home for many years as a funeral assistant post-retirement, enjoying his role as Greeter. Tom’s genial smile and affable personality were appreciated by all who met him.

Mr. OB loved sports. He played for the Medina MAC semipro football team and loved to bowl, golf, and play softball. Tom was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church Medina. He was also a 4^th Degree member of Medina Council #651, Knights of Columbus, Lincoln Post #1483, V.F.W., Butts-Clark Post #204, American Legion and the Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club.

He enjoyed fishing trips at Lake Nipissing, Ontario, Canada, and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Ontario, often with a Manhattan in hand. A truly kind and genuine person, Tom will be missed by many and remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Carol G. O’Brien; five children, Donald T. O’Brien, Jr., Patrick M. (Sarah) O’Brien, Kellie M. (Kimberly LaMendola) O’Brien, Shannon C. (Nicole) O’Brien and Erin P. (Rose Marie) O’Brien; former daughter-in-law, Terry O’Brien; grandchildren, Stephen, Amanda, Timothy, Jarrett, Brendan, Mackenzie, Alex, Devon, Jordan and Katherine “Kate”; several great-grandchildren; brother, Francis E. “Bud” (Mary Ann) O’Brien; sister, A. Maureen Anderson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Rosemary (James W.) Cooper; in-laws, Florence and Howard Gotts; brother-in-law, John P. Anderson.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 4-8 pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 20, at 10 am at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, www.supportivecareorleans.org or a charity of one’s choice. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com