Thomas Patrick O’Brien ( coach OB ) peacefully passed away on August 17, 2026. Tom was born in Indianapolis on March 16, 1931 to his parents James and Anna(Reidy) O’Brien. Tom is survived by his daughters, Dorothy (Pete) Miller, Kathleen Allgood and sister Barbara (Joseph ) Minatel as well as many nieces and nephews.
Tom is proceeded in death by his wife Marilyn O’Brien, his parents, five brothers James, Robert, Jack, Michael, Bernard and sisters Mary O’Brien and Patricia Norton.
Tom graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949. OB played football for Hinkle at Butler University while receiving a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Tom joined the Army for two years and was honorably discharged. He earned a masters degree in education in 1960. He coached basketball at Bradley University and the Evansville College Purple Aces basketball team to an undefeated season and the 1964-1965 National championships.
OB’s true loves, Indianapolis and Cathedral sent him into 70 years of teaching, coaching and mentoring young adults into adulthood with multiple schools and organizations. He spent several years in private sector business and public service. OB was the Marion County Clerk from 1975 - 1979. Championship teams defined OB along with a few special honors , Irish Citizen of the year, Sagamore of the Wabash recipient and an inaugural member of the Cathedral Circle of Excellence. On his 80th birthday Mayor Ballard declared it Tom O’Brien day in Indianapolis.
After Tom’s official retirement he continued his passion for inspiring young adults as the beloved “super sub” at Cathedral High School.
Dorothy and Kathy send special thanks and gratitude to the wonderful care teams at Luminary Hospice, Traditions of Solana and Traditions of Westfield.
Tom lived with a true love for life, a deep love for his family and a genuine desire to help others, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in everyone he touched.
Visitation for Tom will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 E. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 6944 E. 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN with burial to follow in Westridge Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions go to Cathedral Tuition Assistance Fund, 5225 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226.
