Gerald Leonard O'Brien
Obituary
Gerald Leonard O’Brien, 89, passed peacefully in his sleep on May 2nd 2022. Son of Harold and Irene (Rush) O’Brien, Jerry was born on December 29, 1932 in Chicago, IL, where he grew up developing a love for sports, and an appreciation of friends and family.
He attended St. Mel’s High School and then served his country from 1955-1958 as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, Jerry started his employment at Santa Fe Railroad Company, where he worked for the next 37 years. He met his wife, Diane, in the Santa Fe building in downtown Chicago, where they had been “set up” by colleagues. Their plan worked, and the next 63 years of marriage produced a home of love, where faith and friendships were nourished. He became an example of integrity, patience, fun, … and frugality, to each of his five children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry was a natural athlete, loving all sports, but excelling in softball, basketball, and tennis. As a well-respected softball player in Chicago’s elite Grant Park league, he earned the nickname Gator, to reflect his calm demeanor while recognizing his tenacious athletic ability. After moving the family to Tulsa in 1971, he participated in many softball leagues, often recruited to be on Oklahoma’s top teams. Basketball, another love, gave him years of activity and brotherhood at the Thornton YMCA and eventually at Whiteside Park with the other ”old guys.” It was tennis, a sport that he taught himself in his forties and continued late into his life, that brought him the most joy, as he was able to play with many Tulsa friends, and with his own children.
Most proud of his family and Catholic faith, Jerry leaves behind his loving wife, Diane (Marhoefer) O’Brien; his brother, Don; his children, Tim (Anne-Marie), Jim (Laura), Erin (Kevin Steichen), Patty (Dan O’Meilia), and Phil (Christine); along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Alyce; and his brother, Robert. A rosary will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13 and a funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m Saturday, May 14, both at Church of St. Mary. Please visit ninde.com and share a memory about Jerry.
The funeral mass will be livestreamed beginning at 9:45 a.m. Please use the link below:
https://wwwyoutube.com/c/ChurchofSaintMary/live
The link will also be available after the funeral if you are not able to view the funeral live. We encourage and hope you will leave a comment on Jerry’s tribute wall. Jerry’s family would be grateful for any memories you have of this special man.
Family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jerry's memory to Catholic Charities Food Pantry, 2450 N. Harvard Ave, Tulsa, Ok 74115 or online at cceok.org/donate
Events
Tributes & Memories
I played basketball with Jerry for many years at Whiteside. From the first moment I walked in the gym I was introduced to the “Godfather” of the gym. Often Jerry would pull me aside to talk. I will always cherish those moments. He was a model of Christ and a leader worth modeling and following. I will miss him.
Brad Farnsworth
The McDermott family is thinking of our Tulsa family at this time. Uncle Jerry was a great man who clearly loved his family. We hold such fond memories of your visits to Chicago and still talk about the fun we had when we met you for the 50th anniversary. We take comfort in knowing that our mother is back with her big brother. God Bless.
Irene Sandner
We have been long time "across the street" neighbors and we have very fond memories of Jerry. For many, many years Jerry would be the first out in the day to return our trash bins to our driveway from the street. That kind act of service will be forever in our memories. I had many conversations out in the yard about his tennis matches, politics, our yards, and neighborhood activities. Jerry and Diane's kitchen table faces our house and they became our surrogate "house watchers" when we would be away on vacation or long trips. One time he called me to tell me to change the channel on my TV in my kitchen. He could see our TV from his kitchen! It was more of a laugh than anything else. We will miss those conversations greatly and will pray for God's Peace and Grace over Diane and the family.
Paul Teel
With deepest sympathy and much love.
The Hopkins Family
Jerry was a great basketball teammate and friend. We had many years of playing and winning championships. He was a great athlete and competitor. Rest well Jerry and God bless.
Michael Standifer
As a long time tennis partner of Jerry, especially in later years, I have missed and will continue to miss Jerry’s calm, influence even in team matches when his partner might be dragging him down. As a fellow conservative, we had many on and off the court discussions about politics and Jerry was alway reasonable, fair and balanced. Rest In Peace, Jerry We’ll be thinking of you. Ray Pfaff Vickie Pfaff Kelley
Ray Pfaff
In memory of Jerry. Our prayers are with him and his family.
Don and Sharon Robinson
My brother Jerry is fondly remembered, he always had a quiet and peaceful presence. We enjoyed our family gatherings in Westchester, Tinley Park and especially our Christmas event in Tulsa in 2009. I even enjoyed playing tennis with Jerry even though he beat me easily. He was always a kind and welcoming person. He will be missed. Sorry for our loss but he is probably smiling "up There" waiting for us to join him. Marc and Don O'Brien Three trees were planted in memory of Jerry by us and our children Dave, Teri, Kit, Mike and Tom.
DON O'BRIEN