Thomas "Tom" Patrick O'Brien

Thomas “Tom” Patrick O’Brien, 75, of Manassas, VA, transitioned into heaven on October 29, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Tom was born on September 8, 1949 to Joseph and Mary O’Brien in Washington DC, and spent his formative years in the DC metropolitan area. In 1982, Tom married the love of his life, Jane, and they recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary. He is survived by his wife; their children Kelly O’Brien of Gainesville, VA, Tanya Poillucci (Mike) of St. Simons Island, GA, Curtis Marshall (Laura) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren Logan (Hayley), Maria, Garett (Emily), Riley (Ross), Regan (Jack), Reece (Jolene), Patrick, Camille, Sean, Declan, great grandson Patton, and his sister Cathy O’Brien. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Anna Moore. In 1970, Tom was drafted in the United States Army and served his nation honorably as a Military Police Officer. He then worked as a distributor with Canada Dry, later purchasing a franchise as a cookie/cracker distributor with Pepperidge Farm. He was well known by his friends and family as the “cookie man”. His three children will never forget the many care packages of Pepperidge Farm cookies they received while in college. After Tom sold his franchise with Pepperidge Farm, he accepted a public servant position with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, post 9-11. In 2006, he was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Aviation Unit, where he had a distinguished career retiring in 2019. Tom was the epitome of a loving husband, father, papa, and friend to all who knew him. He had the biggest heart and was always willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. He was devoted to his family and friends and always saw the cup as half-full. Tom was very active in the lives of his children and all his grandchildren. He attended their school activities and many life events over the years, including dancing at his granddaughters wedding a month before passing. He lived his life serving others, instilling strong work ethics in his family including punctuality, frugalness, the importance of one’s character, and countless other lessons. He also shared a strong sense of humor, including the infamous food fight with his wife and teenage children in the dining room. There are many countless memories that we all have of Tom. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Services will be held on Friday, November 15th at 9:30 am at the Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 6299 Token Forest Drive in Manassas, VA 20112. A procession to Quantico National Cemetery for an interment will follow. An Irish wake will be held at the family residence at 12:30 pm, after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at themmrf.org or Prince of Peace United Methodist Church. *PLEASE NOTE: Only those planning to travel in procession to Quantico National Cemetery may park in the church parking lot; all others are asked to park in the Food Lion parking lot.

Tributes

Thomas "Tom" Patrick O'Brien

October 29, 2024