Tom O’ Brien Obituary, Death – On Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the age of 74, Tom passed away at Hospice of Waterloo Region after a courageous battle against cancer. He had been a patient there since the previous week.
His wife Eleanor O’Brien passed away in 2018 after 43 years of marriage, and he is survived by their two children. He is the devoted and proud father of Kerry O’Brien and his wife Krista, as well as Kevin O’Brien and his wife Stephanie. Desmond, Blake, Scarlett, and Molly all regard him as their dearly beloved Papa.
His parents, Thomas O’Brien and Frances O’Brien (nee Roche), both passed away before he was born. He is survived by his siblings Rick (who was married to Martha), Kevin (who was married to Helen), Jan Nusca (who was married to Paul), and Barry (who was married to Carita), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Tom coached college basketball for many years at the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, and University of Guelph in addition to teaching high school students and coaching basketball at St. David’s Catholic Secondary School (CSS) in Waterloo. His endearing (if occasionally corny) sense of humor, his devotion to his players and students, and his passion for teaching and learning made him well-known. He was known for all three of these qualities.
After he retired, he focused all of his attention on his grandchildren, to the point where he drove them to and from daycare on a regular basis for as long as his condition permitted.
On Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. each day, the family of Tom Good will be present at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home located at 171 King Street South in Waterloo to greet friends and family members.
If you would like to attend the visitation, we ask that you wear a face mask, keep a safe distance from others, and register (RSVP) by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445. On Friday, October 22, 2021, at one o’clock in the afternoon, there will be a memorial service that will be held in private for those who have been extended an invitation. The memorial service will be broadcast live online, and a link to the broadcast can be found at the top of Tom’s obituary page on our website, www.erbgood.com.