Patrice George has built a life defined by unwavering strength, resilience, and a deep love for her family. As a successful broker and real estate professional, as well as a devoted mother of three, George made it her mission to honor her late husband Tommy’s legacy. Through turning her pain into purpose, she found the power to help others.
“There was no other option for me than to persevere,” George says. “Tommy was my greatest cheerleader, and I made it my mission to make him proud.”
Tommy George was a vibrant, charismatic man known for his dynamic personality and smile that could light up any room. A businessman who cherished time with his family, Tommy was also a decorated athlete. He played middle linebacker for Long Branch High School and the University of Maryland before graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in international economics.
After a diagnosis, rapid decline, and an incredibly painful time, Tommy passed away at 54. Tommy made the decision early in his diagnosis to donate his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for study. Though initially diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, doctors and Tommy suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma.
With the help of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the university confirmed Tommy had stage 3 CTE. This diagnosis, while heartbreaking, brought clarity and renewed purpose to George’s life. Though it could not bring Tommy back, she found solace in the mission to raise awareness about CTE. Tommy never wanted anyone to suffer the way he did, without knowing the possibility of it.
CTE is known to cause early-onset dementia and other degenerative brain diseases. Contact sports players and military personnel are most affected. George hopes that through increased awareness and research, doctors will one day be able to diagnose CTE while individuals are still alive, leading to better treatments. She calls it her “long-term mission.”
George stressed that the goal is not to go against the sports so many love but to protect the players as much as possible. “Tommy and Patrice’s children are all athletes, and Tommy comes from a very athletic family, but as a culture, we need more funding, more research, more awareness, and more involvement from parents and coaches,” George shares. “We have come a long way, but there is still so much work to do. There are more programs to be implemented, and so many leaders are creating a path to minimize CTE. It’s incredible once you see so many passionate doctors, scientists, athletes, coaches, and those families affected, creating a path to end CTE.”
Throughout this journey, George's love for Tommy and her children—Tommy Jr., Holly, and Summer—has remained her guiding force. She continues to live in a way that honors their shared life, drawing strength from her experiences and the community that supported Tommy’s care right to the end. “Our support system was incredible, and it’s a real testament to Tommy and his love for family and friends.”
“My gratitude was and is endless,” George notes.
In addition to her advocacy work, George has flourished in real estate, a field she has worked in for nearly two decades. After Tommy became ill, she joined O’Brien Realty and now serves as the broker of record for the company’s Oceanport office.
When asked what fuels her success in real estate, George's answer is simple: “The love of the business and helping people transition to another chapter of their lives. Home should tell the story of who you are and be the most peaceful and happy place on earth. I want that for all my clients.” She believes that investing in real estate is one of the best wealth-building tools available.
George's success is evident in her recent recognition with the prestigious Platinum Award from New Jersey Realtors, one of the highest honors in the industry. She continues to set the bar for excellence. “We live in a beautiful area, and my goal is to keep growing, learning, and assisting buyers and sellers in all areas of real estate,” she says.
The story of George's life and her love for Tommy is deeply intertwined with the Jersey Shore, and especially within Long Branch. Long Branch was one of Tommy’s greatest loves—the town that shaped their family’s story and holds a special place in their hearts. Patrice and Tommy met in Long Branch and purchased their first two homes there. In the summertime, Patrice, Tommy, and their children could usually be found enjoying the day at Monmouth Beach bathing pavilion, followed by a stop at Strollo's Lighthouse and a walk along the boardwalk before heading home.
Even after Tommy’s passing, George and their children continue to drive through Long Branch, reflecting on the area’s transformation—a reminder of Tommy’s enduring presence and love for the community.
“We were driving through lower Broadway recently, and my daughter said, ‘The transformation of Long Branch is just astounding. Dad would have made us drive through here every morning after catching a glimpse of the waves along the boardwalk,’” George recalls. “I responded with conviction and a smile, ‘Yes, he would have!’”
At home, George's space reflects her journey and her personality. Despite the pain, her home radiates peace and happiness—filled with cherished memories of Tommy and an atmosphere that reflects her love of life, family, friends, and light within her.
“I will honor Tommy every day of my life,” George says. “I will always be his advocate and set the stage for others in his memory. He deserves that.” “Tommy left me with three beautiful gifts, who he adored, and every time I look in their eyes, Tommy shines through. It is just beautiful to me.”