Thomas G. ("Tom") Brennan of Tulsa, Oklahoma died on January 25, 2013. He was born in New York City on June 4, 1928, the son of Thomas and Emma (Smith) Brennan.
Tom attended Fordham Prep School and then Villanova University, where he studied Electrical Engineering and played basketball. On graduation, Tom moved to Philadelphia, where he met Elizabeth Leonard. They married December 26, 1953. Tom began his professional career as a power systems engineer with General Electric in Philadelphia, PA, and soon moved into engineering management. In 1972, Tom moved Liz and their six children to Beloit, WI to become the Vice President of Engineering for Warner Electric Brake and Clutch. In 1978, Tom and Liz moved their family to Tulsa, OK, and Tom began to work for Oil Dynamics, Inc., where he was responsible for ODI's expansion into the Chinese market. He stayed until he retired as President and CEO in 1994. Tom went on to serve the State of Oklahoma as Secretary of Administration and Director of Purchasing in the Cabinet of Governor Keating, as a management consultant to a number of companies in the Tulsa area and as a member of the board of directors of T. D. Williamson Company.
Tom loved family gatherings; he enjoyed telling stories and listening to the tales of his children and grandchildren. He was a source of wise counsel for their school years, careers and lives.
Tom loved sports, and particularly basketball. He was a member of Southern Hills Country Club and the Golden Hurricane Club, and an avid supporter of the Golden Hurricane football and basketball teams. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his family and friends. He was active in the community, supporting a number of charities and organizations.
Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Liz, and by his sister Kathryn ("Kay") Liptack. He is survived by his six children, Elizabeth Brennan Darabaris of Englewood, CO, Thomas F. Brennan (Sharon) of Wayzata, MN, Terence P. Brennan (Elise) of Tulsa, OK, Patrick J. Brennan (Lisane) of San Carlos, CA, Mary Brennan Palmer (Matthew) of San Juan Capistrano, CA and Anne-Marie Brennan Carlisle (Craig) of Singapore. His grandchildren include Thomas Darabaris, Marie Darabaris, Thomas Brennan, Katie Brennan, Danny Brennan, Luc Brennan, Stephanie Palmer, Lauren Palmer, Caitlin Carlisle and Ashlin Carlisle. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2013 followed by a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. both at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. The funeral mass will be Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's honor may be made to Catholic Charities, PO Box 580460, Tulsa, OK 74158-0460.
Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.