07/23/2026
Today, we remember Thomas J. O’Dea, who founded our firm in 1974 as Thomas J. O’Dea & Associates, PC.
Tom was a dedicated professional engineer and businessman. Before establishing his own practice, he worked for two engineering firms in New York City, W.A. DiGiacomo Associates and Jaros, Baum, & Bolles, where he had a key role in the design of the control systems for the original World Trade Center. But we do not measure Tom’s contribution by the projects he completed. It continues in the firm he built, the people he mentored and the careers that began because he was willing to start something of his own.
Tom remained interested in OLA long after his retirement. He celebrated our growth, our Westchester home and the opening of our New York City office. Those who spoke with him at our milestone anniversary celebrations know how proud he was of what the firm had become.
He was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our thoughts are with his family and with everyone who had the opportunity to know and learn from him.
More than 50 years after Tom opened the firm, we are still building upon what he began. We are grateful to be part of his story and honored to carry it forward.
Thomas J. O’Dea
1934–2026