Thomas F. O’Brien, 81, of Downers Grove. Beloved husband of Patricia, nee Dillon; loving father of Thomas Jr. (Candace), Michael, John (Gayle), Jospeh, Patrick and Timothy; grandfather and great-grandfather of many; brother of Dody (late Thomas) Henry and Rev. Joseph O’Brien, OMI; also survived by many nieces and nephews. After graduating from St. Gabriels in Chicago, Tom attended Mount Carmel Seminary in Niagra Falls, Canada, from 1934-1940. As a young man, he toured with the Paulist Choir and was the tenor soloist with the Lake Shore Club. He was Chicago Branch Manager of McKesson Chemical and at 50, earned his Masters Degree in Business Psychology from Governors State University. He founded Tinker Chemical, a regional chemical distribution company, in 1974, which he ran successfully for over 25 years. After retirement at age 77, Tom and his wife enjoyed traveling the world and pursuing their lifetime love of the opera. Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301-75th Street, Downers Grove. Prayers 9:30 a.m. Wednesday from funeral home to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Darien, for mass at 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. 630-964-6500
