Thomas “Tom” O’Brien

By on September 17, 2026

Thomas “Tom” O’Brien passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Duck, NC. Tom was born to Frank and Mary McCready O’Brien on October 7, 1941, in Charlotte, NC. Tom was predeceased by his parents and dear wife, Kay Melson “Honey” O’Brien.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Leigh O’Brien Cole (Wayne), of Chesapeake, VA; son, John Thomas O’Brien, of Hockessin, DE; two beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth Cole Hanvey (Caleb), of Chesapeake, VA, and Alexandra “Lexi” Cole, of St. Louis, MO; adored great-grandsons, Samuel and Thomas Hanvey; his brother, Bob O’Brien (Carolyn), of Raleigh, NC; and niece, Carrie O’Brien, of Durham, NC.

Tom was a proud alumnus of NC State University and valued his decades-long friendships with Sigma Phi Epsilon buddies. Their annual gatherings at MerleFest in NC were a source of happiness and camaraderie.

After more than 30 years at DuPont and ten years with Swales Aerospace, Tom and Kay made their dream move to the Outer Banks of NC, where they made new friends and became active volunteers in their church and community.

Always involved with his church, Tom spent years on the vestries and search committees of Immanuel Church, Highlands in Wilmington, DE, and All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores, NC. He sang in the choir, played music, served on the vestry and on the search committee. He and his beloved Kay were involved with Holly Days and the After Dark at All Saints program for a few years.

Tom was a man of many hobbies: birding, Sunday afternoon NASCAR “race betting” with son John, golf, history, cooking, music of all genres, and all things family-related. Thanksgiving family gatherings in Duck were an annual highlight for all, especially Tom! More than anything, Tom loved his family and delighted in seeing the grandchildren and great-grandchildren added to the mix. He welcomed all with open arms and a big hug.

A celebration of life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Southern Shores, NC, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 am. Interment will immediately follow the service. After the interment, please join family and friends for a reception in the church commons.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church, 40 Pintail Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949, or to Duck Fire Department, 1259 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949, whose iconic long-sleeve tee was a large contributor to Tom’s wardrobe.

Please leave a message of comfort for the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

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