Thomas J. O'Brien

Honorable Thomas J. O’Brien (retired) age 92, of Arlington Heights, formerly of Prospect Heights and Park Ridge, born October 16, 1932, at peace with Christ, Saturday, December 7, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Catherine “Kay” O’Brien (nee Malone) for 47 years, son of the late Peter and Elizabeth O’Brien, loving father of Carol (Christopher Botwinski), Thomas Jr (Jacqueline), Nancy, and Linda (James) Sohn; cherished grandfather of Alyssa Sohn (Brian Rodgers), Connor O’Brien, Katherine Sohn, Cormac O’Brien, and Colin Botwinski; fond brother-in-law of the late Alice (Patrick) Meehan, the late John and Lorraine Malone, the late Margaret (Bill) Curtis, the late James and Ann Malone, and the late Mary Patricia (Patrick) Gill; dear uncle and cousin to many; loyal friend and colleague.

Tom grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood, and was a proud graduate of St. Jerome Grade School and St. Gregory the Great High School, where he met the love of his life, Kay. He began undergraduate studies at DePaul University, earning his B.A. after serving in the US Army with the Armed Forces Far East command in Japan 1954-55. He graduated from DePaul University College of Law in 1959, and was in private law practice until 1976, when he ran for Circuit Court judge as an independent Democrat.

Tom was elected and served honorably for 18 years in various assignments including Motion Court and Chancery Division. In 1994, he was appointed an Appellate Court Justice, and served in that role until retiring from the judiciary and returning briefly to private practice.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and former colleagues. He treasured the too few years he had in retirement with his wife Kay until her death in 2003. He took an active interest in the lives of his grandchildren: attending school events, concerts, graduations, and granddaughter Alyssa’s wedding; treating them to vacations and hosting them at his Galena vacation home; and engaging with each in meaningful conversations. He traveled throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, and relished spending time in Galena. He was an avid photographer since his teenage years, capturing everyday life, special family moments, and beautiful nature scenes with a skillful eye. He had a lifelong passion for gardening and a love for music – especially opera.

Tom was a devout Catholic his entire life. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Liguori parish for the past 25 years. He had an inquisitive mind when it came to his faith, participating in scripture study groups, reading a wide range of Catholic publications, and attending retreats. May his faith be an example for us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Misericordia Heart of Mercy.

Family will be receiving guests at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, December 16. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 17, with visitation at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 411 N. Wheeling, Prospect Heights, IL, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment All Saints Cemetery.