Thomas G. O'Brien

Thomas G. O'Brien, age 79, of Brol Road, Great Valley, New York, died, Monday afternoon, August 26, 2013 following a short illness.

Born November 1, 1933 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of the late Thomas and Hazel Cross O'Brien. He was married on September 23, 1989 in Great Valley, New York to the former Gail Wendell, who survives.

Mr. O'Brien was a graduate of Salamanca High School Class of 1951.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Mountrail (APA213) as a Second Class Machinist.

He was a Union Boilermaker/Welder with the Local 154 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for over 30 years, retiring in 1993, and worked in heavy construction throughout the Eastern Seaboard.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6450 Burge Castro in Chester, West Virginia, and of the American Legion Post #0039 in Vero Beach, Florida.

He enjoyed his homes in both Great Valley and Vero Beach, Florida, especially working outside in the yards.

Surviving besides his wife are: 2 daughters, Kelli Wydner, Limestone, NY and Molly (Loen Fuller) O'Brien; 2 sons, Michael (Carol) O'Brien and Patrick O'Brien, both of Salamanca, NY; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Mark T. O'Brien, and 2 brothers, Bill O'Brien and Daniel O'Brien.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held in the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Michael Lonto, Pastor of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Home and Health Care Hospice, Olean, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.