Dr. Thomas O’Brien and his beloved wife, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, have bid farewell to this world within a span of three days, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and remarkable achievements. Thomas, aged 95, passed away on December 9, following a period of declining health as reported by The Boston Globe. Ruth, 92, joined her husband in eternal rest on December 12, departing peacefully, as shared in an obituary by the Bell-O’Dea Funeral Home in Brookline, Mass.
The couple, who celebrated 66 years of marriage, nurtured a family of six children, among whom is the renowned late-night comedian, Conan O’Brien, aged 61. Conan, acknowledging his father as the source of his passion for stand-up comedy, reminisced about the joy of shared laughter and cherished moments spent with his father. Thomas, a connoisseur of classic comedy, introduced his children to the timeless humor of luminaries like Jack Benny, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers.
Thomas O’Brien’s distinguished career in antimicrobial drug resistance research and his pivotal role as the inaugural director of the infectious diseases division at what is now Brigham and Women’s Hospital have left an indelible mark on the medical community. Over a span of more than six decades at Brigham and Women’s and Harvard Medical School, where he held the position of associate professor, Thomas O’Brien contributed significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge. His retirement in 2019 at the age of 90 marked the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of scientific excellence.
Conan O’Brien, a beacon of wit and humor in the entertainment industry, reflects on his father’s insatiable curiosity and zest for life. Thomas’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge and exploration resonated deeply with Conan, who speaks of his father’s boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm for embracing the world in all its richness and diversity. Thomas O’Brien’s ceaseless motion through life defied the notion of inertia, embodying a spirit that transcended boundaries and embraced the myriad wonders of existence.
Ruth O’Brien, an accomplished professional in her own right, blazed trails in the legal realm as one of four women in her class at Yale Law School. Her tenure as a law clerk at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and subsequent career as a real estate attorney at Ropes & Gray in Boston exemplified her unwavering commitment to excellence and gender equality in the legal profession. Becoming the second female partner in the firm in 1978, Ruth O’Brien shattered glass ceilings and inspired generations of women to pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.
The O’Brien family, a testament to enduring love and unity, extends beyond Conan to include their sons Justin, Neal, and Luke, and daughters Kate and Jane, as well as nine cherished grandchildren. Thomas and Ruth’s profound impact on their children and grandchildren is a testament to the enduring power of familial bonds and the legacy of love
