Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
Toomey Funeral Service was established in 1885 by Robert Toomey, who was in his early years a furniture maker in West Springfield. Robert and his sister, Nellie served West Springfield, Agawam and the surrounding communities with dignity for nearly 50 years.
In the 1960's the funeral home was purchased by one of West Springfield's finest sons, John B. O'Brien, Jr. or "Jack" as he was known by his friends. It was at this time they changed the name to Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home. The O'Brien Family had a long and strong dedication to their community. Jack O'Brien was assisted by his father, retired West Springfield Police Chief, John B. O'Brien, Sr. and his father-in-Law former 3 Term Selectman for the of Town of West Springfield, Walter Cogans. Jack with his wife Norma and their entire family worked together and the next few decades saw the largest growth in their funeral home's history.
In 1994 the funeral home was sold to their son Frank O'Brien. Since that time Frank and his wife, Ellen (Leahy) O' Brien have served the families together. They are the only licensed husband and wife funeral team in Western Massachusetts.
This area has seen many funeral homes being sold to national corporations over the past 10 - 15 years. We remain committed to family ownership and service. Many things regarding the funeral industry have changed over the years, but our families receive the same dedication and care given by the Toomey Family over 100 years ago. We remain true to our philosophy of "Our Family Serving Your Family."
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Frank O'Brien
Owner and President
Francis X. O'Brien is the President and Owner of Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home. Frank is very involved in the community. He was President of West Springfield Rotary Club, Board of Directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Corporator of Westfield Bank, and member of St. Thomas School Board. He is the only Certified Preplanned Funeral Consultant in Western Massachusetts. Frank received his BA from Saint Anselm College and his Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from New England Institute.

Ellen O'Brien
Vice President
Ellen O'Brien is Vice President of Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home and serves as the Director of Prearrangement Services. Ellen applies her funeral service counseling and preplanning expertise to provide excellent burial, preplanning, and cremation services to the community. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, she holds a National Board Certificate. An active member of the community, she is a member of the local Rotary Club and serves on its Board of Directors, a member of the Advisory Board at Holyoke Community College, a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Elms College, and a Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from New England Institute.

Steven M. Gould
Lead Funeral Director and Embalmer
Steve graduated from the New England Institute of Fine Arts & Sciences with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1987. He started his career with Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home in 1992 and has served the families of West Springfield and the surrounding communities for over 20 years. He is an active community volunteer and a sports enthusiast. He resides in Easthampton with his wife Judy.

John O'Brien
Founder 1928 - 2014
John was a graduate of New England Institute of Applied Arts and Science. He took over the operation of Toomey Funeral Service in 1968 and in 1969 established the firm's new name, Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home and our firm's new credo..."Our family serving your family". A mission statement we still live by today.

Mark Scott
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.