Thomas John O'Drobinak

He was born on July 2, 1958 to Charles and Patricia (Terry) O’Drobinak in Gary, Indiana. The fourth of five children, he lived in Whiting, Indiana until the family moved to Indianapolis in 1969.

Tom married Joni Proffitt of Indianapolis on April 24, 1982.

Tom graduated from Brebeuf Preparatory School in 1976 and from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1981 with a degree in Oceanographic Technology. He also earned a degree in Computer Science from IUPUI in 1988.

After graduation from FIT, Tom worked as a Marine Seismologist in Houston, Texas, and was later employed by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for 22 years, 11 of those years as the Director of Information Systems.

A lifelong dog lover, Tom’s canine family included his childhood schnauzer, Snoopy, two Bernese mountain dogs, Ceilidh and Wilson, and his long haired dachshund, Chelsea.

Tom was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed football, basketball, running, bodysurfing and in-line skating. Tom also loved golf and bodies of water; oftentimes the two would meet. He loved to travel and was passionate about food and cooking. He was a foodie before it was in the lexicon. His gumbo always stood front and center at the O’Drobinak family Christmas Eve dinner. Tom and Joni also had an antique shop in Carmel, Indiana.

Tom is survived by his wife, Joni O’Drobinak, parents, Chuck and Pat O’Drobinak, his siblings Chuck (Junko) O’Drobinak III of Tokyo, Susan Wright, Nancy (Gary) Links, Richard O’Drobinak, nieces and nephews Lauren (Roy) Links Blumenfeld and Andrew Links of New York, Renee (Tom) Barton of London, and Matthew Wright of Indianapolis, great-nephews Gabriel and Benjamin Blumenfeld of New York, as well as his uncle-in-law, John Hill.

Sadly, we must say farewell to his earthly presence until we meet again, but he’ll remain in our hearts, and we’ll find comfort in our memories of his bear hugs, dancing eyes, ready sense of humor, and easy laughter, guffaws and all.

A private funeral Mass will be held for the family to celebrate his life.