Tom O’Brien
Tom O’Brien, age 70, of La Grange; beloved husband of Barb Franklin for 40 years; loving dad of Liz (John Szabo) O’Brien & Katie (Kyle Monty) O’Brien; proud grandpa of Connor & Oliver; cherished brother of Chris (Karen Howard) O’Brien, the late Celia O’Brien, & Paul O’Brien; dear uncle, brother-in-law, & friend of many.
Tom was born in McHenry, IL on December 15, 1953 to the late Bob & Anne O’Brien. After spending his childhood there with his three siblings, attending Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, WI, and earning his bachelors and MBA at Northwestern University, he spent most of his early adult life in Chicago. In 1990, he and Barb moved to La Grange, raised their daughters and enjoyed over 30 years there together before he passed away on August 1st.
Tom spent his career predominantly in the auto industry, including the last 13 years as the CEO of Insurance Auto Auctions before retiring in 2014.
Tom was an avid golfer, traveler, reader and historian. We will remember him for his integrity, curiosity and humor.
To celebrate his life, visitation will be 3 to 9pm on Thursday, August 8 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home for prayers at 9:15am on Friday, August 9. Procession to St. Francis Xavier Church will follow for 10am Mass. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s name to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (https://www.cristorey.net/) are greatly appreciated.
Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
Such sad news. Tom was a great guy. My profound sympathy to all of the O’Brians.
Grateful to have spent some time with him. A painful loss for sure but his joy for life is something I’ll have for the rest of mine.
I was so sorry to hear this news. I am a Canadian who was lucky enough to meet Tom through business and his gracious invitation to join him and others on various adventures. I met many people in my business life but few if any left a mark on me like Tom. For his level of success in business and family life, he treated every one as they were the most important person in his day. This news really struck me. All my condolences to his family and friends.
Like so many Campion grads, I have only the best memories of Tom. The Class of ‘72 will miss him.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a great person and friend, who I think of often. He was always ready to engage with this friends and was defined by his competitiveness and passion for whatever he was doing.
May he rest in peace.
Jim Moorhouse
On your feet Rowdies!
To Tom – Not our first and not our last but one of our GREATS!
OB =The definition of a class act.
Barbara, family and friends know that there are countless others who will miss this good man.
Jimmy B “72
Tom was a wonderful man and father. I enjoyed him as a student and as a wonderful friend. A Campion man aways.
I will miss him.
I was saddened to hear the news of Tom’s passing …. hold tight to his memories as you take the time to celebrate his life and mourn his passing.
“Today & tomorrow you will mourn him; but the next day & the day after, you will miss him”
May the love and support of friends and family provide the O’ Brien family comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
I was very saddened to hear about Mr O’Brien passing – he was always so sweet to me here at the club and on the phone if he ever had questions for me. I will miss hearing from him randomly.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all since we heard the news. Some of our greatest family vacation memories we owe to Mr Obrien. From Park City Utah, to Whistler to Big Sky Montana, we’d never have had these experiences if it weren’t for him planning these trips and graciously welcoming our family to join in on the annual adventures. And we still talk about those epic ski trips!! Such great memories with him that we will have forever.
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I had many interactions with him while working at Insurance Auto Auctions. He intimidated me a bit when I started working there but I discovered that he was a welcoming person. I hated to see him retire. My condolences his family and friends.
Barb, Liz and Katie, We are so sorry to have learned of Tom’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we will cherish the many good memories we have of Tom. God bless and comfort all of you.
Barb, i did not know that Tom had been sick and was so sorry to hear this news. It was great to work with & for Tom for several years and even better to consider him a good friend. Sorry I couldnt make the service Ive been out of town this week. May God bless you, Liz & Katie as you cope with the loss of an awesome man
So sorry to hear about my golf buddy Tom .
Last saw him when we had lunch in early May
I met him from our early days with Time Life Books.
Cant tell you how many rounds of golf we
Played starting at Timber Trail on Friday afternoon until now . Well into the 100s.
there was No better 20 handicap in the world . We kissed about that all the time .
His bless his family . I will miss him dearly
Sending our condolences. So very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you Barb and family.