O’Brien, Thomas J.

Thomas J O’Brien of Fairport, NY on April 2, 2022 passed away on April 2, 2022. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mieko (Hirose) O’Brien, his oldest son, Robert O’Brien, and his three brothers, Arthur (Bud), John, and Jim. He is survived by his four children, Gregg (Gail), Anne (Tim), Peter (Wendy), John, and daughter-in-law Nancy, as well as his 11 grandchildren, Hannah (Bill), Ethan, Timmy, Darren, Mathew, Grace, Emma, Zachary, Jessica, Henry and Elizabeth, and other special family members and friends.

Tom was born in Baltimore, MD on Dec 6, 1932, the third of four boys. He attended Loyola High School and graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester MA in 1955. After graduation, Tom served as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he worked as an air traffic controller. There he met his future wife Mieko, whom he married in 1960 at St. Ignatius Chapel in Tokyo. By then, Tom was working for Pan American Airlines. The couple then moved to Connecticut, where their first three children were born. His job then took him back to Tokyo, Japan in 1965, and a year later, their twin sons were born. The family then relocated to Guam in 1974, then to Mahopac, NY in 1977. Pan Am provided the opportunity for the family to go on many adventures around the world. Tom loved to learn about new cultures, meet people, and inspired many with his passion and knowledge of international travel. Tom was a true Ambassador for Pan Am, then later on for Delta Airlines, serving for over 40 years in many different capacities in the airline business. 

Tom and Mieko moved to Fairport some years after retirement to be closer to some of their grandchildren. Their shared love for travel continued, and their favorite vacation spot was Maui, a place they visited yearly for over 25 years, and where many happy memories were made. Simple things also made Tom happy- watching birds at his many feeders, admiring the beautiful flowers in Mieko’s garden, a good sticky bun, a walk around his neighborhood, or watching the NY Rangers win. He read voraciously and remained a curious learner until the end.

But what brought Tom the greatest sense of joy and accomplishment was his family, whom he loved unconditionally, without restraint. He remained a loving husband and loyal caretaker for Mieko until she succumbed to Alzheimers in 2020. Tom was happiest when surrounded by his kids and grandchildren, who all adored him and learned so much from him. He cared about everyone. His infectious laugh, big smile, and positive spirit left an indelible mark on everyone.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, April 10 from 2-5 pm at Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport, NY.  A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, April 11, at 10:00 am at St. John of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY.