Father Thomas Gerald OBrien, CSV, 82, teacher, pastor and 20-year US Air Force Chaplain retired, died Saturday February 16, 2002, at Resurrection Hospital, Chicago, after an extended illness. A native of Dunlap, IA, Fr. OBrien was born April 26, 1919, son of Joseph and Mary, nee Buckley, OBrien. He entered the Clerics of St. Viator in 1941. Pronounced first vows August 15, 1942 and final vows in 1945. He graduated from Dowling Junior College, Des Moines, IA, and from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA, in 1944. Fr. OBrien completed his M.A. and Theological Studies at St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, CO and was ordained Priest by Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan in Des Moines, IA, May 17, 1947. This year Fr. OBrien would have celebrated his 60th anniversary as a Cleric of St. Viator. His first assignment was Our Lady of Mercy Mission and Our Lady of Grace Church, Chicago. He was then appointed to St. Joseph School for the Deaf and Our Lady of Solace Church, New York City. From 1948 to 1951, he taught at Cathedral Boys High School, Springfield, IL. In 1951, Fr. OBrien began a 20year career as US Air Force Chaplain. He graduated from Chaplain school, Ft. Slocum, NY a first Lieutenant and advanced in rank to Colonel at the time of his retirement from Hamilton, CA, Air Force Base in 1972. Fr. OBrien completed advanced Chaplain school in 1961 and senior Chaplain school in 1968. Fr. OBrien served overseas at Johnson Island and in Japan, Germany and the Philippines. Upon retirement from the military, Fr. OBrien served as parish administration, Sacred Heart Church, Goodrich, IL, from 1972 to 1978 and Chaplain, Sunrise Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, from 1960 to 1983. In 1983, he retired to the Viatorian Provincial Center, Arlington Hts. Fr. OBrien is survived by his sister, Mary Frances (Eldon) Freberg and his brother, Fr. Michael J. OBrien, CSV; 20 nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Daniel and three sisters, Elizabeth (Vincent) Connealy, Margaret Rita Cobolt and Kathleen G. Connealy. Visitation Tuesday, February 19, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Viatorian Provincial Center, 1212 E. Euclid, Arlington Hts., where Mass of the Resurrection, will be celebrated Wednesday, February 20, at 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral info: Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 847-253-5423
