Thomas William O'Brien

Born on September 27, 1934, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Tom was the son of the late Thomas J. O'Brien and Carolina "Lena" (Michele-Carbo) O'Brien. He grew up in a neighborhood of Lynn known as "The Brickyard," a melting pot where families looked beyond their own homes and cared for one another. It was there that Tom learned the value of community and the importance of helping others—lessons that would guide him throughout his life. Tom attended St. Mary's High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Tom possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, and a gift for building relationships. He began his career selling automobiles, became General Manager of Seacrest Motors in 1964, and opened Tom O'Brien Pontiac in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1974. Over the next 38 years, he built one of New England's premier automotive organizations, representing Pontiac, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, and Hyundai dealerships throughout Massachusetts. His reputation was built not only on business success but also on integrity and the lasting relationships he forged with employees, customers, and colleagues.

Tom enjoyed many things in life, including playing golf with friends and his father-in-law, traveling with his wife, and cheering on the Red Sox and Celtics with his family. His greatest joy, however, came from making a difference in the lives of others.

A visit to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with a colleague lit a flame within Tom. Walking through the pediatric cancer center and seeing children bravely fighting cancer gave him a new sense of purpose. He left that day believing no child should have to face such a fight alone and resolved to do something to help.

Through his longtime involvement with the Jimmy Fund, Tom envisioned a partnership between Hyundai dealers and Dana-Farber that became Hyundai Hope On Wheels. As a co-founder, he united Hyundai dealers across the country with pediatric cancer organizations in their own communities, creating a movement that has raised more than $300 million for pediatric cancer research.

Many of those children and their families became lifelong friends, showing the real connections he made and the compassion he showed long after treatment was over. Tom didn't measure Hope On Wheels by the money it raised. He cared more about the smiles it brought back, the hope it gave, and the children who got a chance to grow up. He also stayed true to his roots, supporting St. Mary's High School and the Sisters of Saint Joseph's Bethany Health Care Center.

Tom and his beloved wife, Diane Graves O'Brien, were married for 52 years and built a life focused on family, loyalty, and love. He would often leave notes around their home, written on a napkin or another piece of paper, simply saying, “I love you with all my heart. Yours, Tommy”

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Barbara Hospod and Elizabeth O’Brien; his grandchildren, Tom Hospod and his husband, Eric Golnick; Kyla Miller and her husband, Dan; Scott Hospod and his wife, Kendall Connor; and Hunter Starsiak. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren, Olivia and Ronan Miller, and another great-grandson expected later this month.

He is also survived by his sister, June Kelley; his niece, Caroline Vera; his nephews, Robert Vera, Randall Vera, and Joseph Kelley; three great-nephews, five great-nieces, and one great-great-niece.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas J. and Carolina "Lena" O'Brien, and by his beloved sister, Carol Ann Vera.

Tom was proud to be part of what is now called the Greatest Generation. He lived by the values of hard work, humility, integrity, generosity, and service to others. Those who knew him best described him as a true gentleman. He never sought recognition for his generosity; making someone else's life a little better was reward enough.

Tom often said, "Life is not a dress rehearsal." This was more than just a favorite saying; it was the way he lived. He measured success not by the businesses he built, but by the people he helped, the opportunities he created, and the lives he changed.

His legacy lives on through his family and the many children and families whose futures are brighter because of his vision, compassion, and determination. His life reminds us to make the most of each day, give generously, and never take tomorrow for granted. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered with gratitude by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM-7:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA 02066. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor, with a reception to follow nearby. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas’s memory can be made to Saint Mary’s School in Lynn, Mass or Sisters of Saint Joseph's Bethany Health Care Center.