Thomas “Tom” O’Brien
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      Thomas “Tom” O’Brien

      September 14, 2026

      Thomas “Tom” O’Brien passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Duck, NC. Tom was born to Frank and Mary McCready O’Brien on October 7, 1941, in Charlotte, NC. Tom was predeceased by his parents and dear wife, Kay Melson “Honey” O’Brien.

      Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Leigh O’Brien Cole (Wayne), of Chesapeake, VA; son, John Thomas O’Brien, of Hockessin, DE; two beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth Cole Hanvey (Caleb), of Chesapeake, VA, and Alexandra “Lexi” Cole, of St. Louis, MO; adored great-grandsons, Samuel and Thomas Hanvey; his brother, Bob O’Brien (Carolyn), of Raleigh, NC; and niece, Carrie O’Brien, of Durham, NC.

      Tom was a proud alumnus of NC State University and valued his decades-long friendships with Sigma Phi Epsilon buddies. Their annual gatherings at MerleFest in NC were a source of happiness and camaraderie.

      After more than 30 years at DuPont and ten years with Swales Aerospace, Tom and Kay made their dream move to the Outer Banks of NC, where they made new friends and became active volunteers in their church and community. 

      Always involved with his church, Tom spent years on the vestries and search committees of Immanuel Church, Highlands in Wilmington, DE, and All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores, NC. He sang in the choir, played music, served on the vestry and on the search committee. He and his beloved Kay were involved with Holly Days and the After Dark at All Saints program for a few years.

      Tom was a man of many hobbies: birding, Sunday afternoon NASCAR “race betting” with son John, golf, history, cooking, music of all genres, and all things family-related. Thanksgiving family gatherings in Duck were an annual highlight for all, especially Tom! More than anything, Tom loved his family and delighted in seeing the grandchildren and great-grandchildren added to the mix. He welcomed all with open arms and a big hug.

      A celebration of life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Southern Shores, NC, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 am. Interment will immediately follow the service. After the interment, please join family and friends for a reception in the church commons.

      In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church, 40 Pintail Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949, or to Duck Fire Department, 1259 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949, whose iconic long-sleeve tee was a large contributor to Tom’s wardrobe.

      Please leave a message of comfort for the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

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