Patrick Austin O'Brien

Patrick Austin O’Brien, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on July 9, 2025. Born on February 7, 1954, in Yuba City, California, Pat was a beloved father, “Ampoo,” brother, coach, police officer, and loyal friend. To know him was to be wrapped in a giant bear hug, met with a quick-witted remark, and left feeling more seen, loved, and cared for than before. Pat lived a life of extraordinary connection. His presence had a way of filling a room—with warmth, humor, sincerity, and an unmistakable sparkle in his eye. His disarming candor and boundless generosity made fast friends of strangers, and he had an uncanny ability to make people feel like they truly belonged. Whether sharing a quiet cup of coffee, lingering over a good meal, or mixing up one of his signature Manhattans, he embraced life slowly and wholeheartedly. His faith in Jesus, his love for his large family, and his passion for baseball and good conversation were at the very center of his heart. From a young age, Pat dreamed big. Growing up on the coast of California, he set his sights on becoming a professional baseball player—a dream that seemed improbable to many given his size. But through sheer grit, work ethic, and unstoppable determination, he played college ball at San José State and was eventually drafted by the Oakland A’s. During his early professional years, he played for the Chattanooga Lookouts—a city he would later make home to raise his family. Though he paused his professional career to focus on fatherhood, baseball was never far from his heart. He continued playing in men's leagues and police tournaments, always nurturing the dream of a return. In 1995, against all odds, Pat made a historic comeback with the Oakland A’s, becoming the oldest rookie in Major League Baseball history. That moment was a testament to the way he lived his life—proving that nothing is impossible. His belief in chasing big dreams extended far beyond his own. He mentored countless young athletes, many of whom went on to play at the college and professional levels. He was the living proof that grit and faith could carry a dream further than most people dared to imagine. Pat also lived a life of deep service. His 26-year career with the Chattanooga Police Department was one of his proudest accomplishments. From his time on the SWAT team to his efforts stabilizing some of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Pat made lasting impacts on the safety of the community he loved so dearly. He poured his whole heart into everything he did—from law enforcement to tai chi, from community volunteering to puppet work with Chattanooga Kids on the Block. But it was in the everyday moments that Pat’s love shined brightest. He was the dad who delivered gourmet lunches to school each day, warmed up school clothes in the dryer for his kids to make getting up and at ‘em a bit easier, and showed up—always. He drove early-morning carpools, coached hundreds of youth baseball players, and spent more than a decade mentoring fraternity and sorority members at UTC, where he was a cherished “ADPi dad.” He reminded everyone in his orbit that they mattered deeply. More than anything else, Pat cherished his family. He was most at home surrounded by the laughter and energy of his children and grandchildren. He had a remarkable way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary—whether it was a long phone call just to chat, a perfectly chosen poem to encourage a child after an injury, or his familiar, comforting presence that made everything feel okay. He delighted in his children’s adventures and celebrated their every milestone. Being “Ampoo” was one of his greatest joys. Pat is lovingly survived by his children, Kelli (Devin) Munczenski, Kristin (Allen) Burnette, Dylan Gembarski, Hunter Gembarski, and Carson O’Brien; his beloved grandchildren, Kelstin Burnette, Xander Burnette, Kallyn Burnette, and Murphy Munczenski; his brothers, William (Shelley) O’Brien, David (Julia Mae) O’Brien, Hollis (Barbie) O’Brien, Barry O’Brien, and Joseph O’Brien Jr.; his adoring sister, Tina (Stephen) O’Brien; and the mothers of his children, Katie Myers and Mealissa O’Brien. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, fierce love, humor, and hope—a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide all who were blessed to know him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Port Hope, Michigan Fire Hall from 12-4pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST at The Senior Citizens Building in South Pittsburg, TN. 204 3rd St, South Pittsburgh, TN 37380 All are welcome to come share their love and memories of Pat. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Patrick O’Brien Memorial Sports Fund. https://gofund.me/56cf4f7a He believed in the power of sports to change lives, build character, confidence and lifelong memories. This fund was created to honor his legacy by supporting young athletes and helping provide opportunities for them to grow through sports.

Patrick Austin O'Brien

February 7, 1954 - July 9, 2025