Tom O'Brien

John Thomas O'Brien, 79, passed away on December 31st, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. The son of Alyce Brock and John Joseph O'Brien, Tom was born on September 17th, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

Tom graduated from Mariemont High School in 1962 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours in the Vietnam War. 

Tom was a natural salesman and a life-long entrepreneur. After returning from the military, his work took him south to the sunny shores of Florida before landing him in Texas, where he would remain until he retired. 

A "newspaper man" first, Tom is recognized for launching the AutoTrader in Texas and creating the Texas Nickelodeon, a monthly magazine that covered the growing Texas music scene in the early 1980s. Tom then held a variety of roles with the Houston Chronicle and ultimately retired after a decade of service at MD Anderson in Houston. 

After retirement, Tom moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to be closer to his immediate family and dote on his only grandchild. 

A true cowboy at heart, Tom always wore a sweeping mustache over his well-appointed boots and carried a deep, enduring love for horses. His friends and family will remember him for his quick wit and endless supply of (often inappropriate) jokes. But it was his desire to make a positive impact on the people he encountered every day - just by making them smile - that will inspire us forever. 

Tom is survived by his daughter Molly O’Brien Rose, her husband Gregory Rose and his granddaughter Landyn Rose; his cousin Deborah Jane Rivera, her children Ramon Rivera and Emily Rivera, and their families; his cousin Todd Brock (wife Francis), their children Robert Brock, Clayton Brock, Gary Brock, and their families; his cousin Paul Brock, his children Rodney Brock, Melissa Perry and Tricia Baumhardt, and their families; his second cousin Dawn Mitic and her family; and his dear friends Robin Bauer and Jack Hofmann. 

Tom passed peacefully. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, he asked that we raise a toast, tell a joke, and remember him fondly … and not forget the Life Savers candy. In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that we consider donating to the COPD Foundation.