On the eve of your passing, Dad, wanted to let you know - you did tell me that you were going quick.  You were telling me that for a long time - I think since I was 20 or 30.  Which means we got another 20/30 years out of you, which I am pretty grateful for.  And greedily - i wish we would have had few more.  Miss you tons.  Love, Mary

I’m thinking of Tom on this, what would have been his 50th year of sobriety.    He was such a kind man, with a huge heart.   He was crazily in love with Linda and his family. 
Tom (and Linda) had a major impact on my life as well as my wife Jordana and our kids.  I enjoyed our lunches and have immense respect for his racquetball game.  
I hope Tom is celebrating today in heaven.  Happy birthday Bummie. I miss you. Jim

I just found a newspaper article that my dad had saved for Jaron.  He read the newspaper every morning - with either peanut butter toast, a banana, an orange, coffee - his routine of starting his day.  He was a constant in my life and I hope I carry the memories forward to continue that constant listener and assertive person that he was.  Love you, Dad.  

We are still shaking our heads trying to make sense out of the fact we will not see Tom again. The last time we saw Linda and Tom  here in Florida was such a joy. We took the boat out - Linda cheerfully overcoming a little nervousness about being on the river, and Tom, his predictable curious, and ever-amused self. 

Catching up on life, it was glaringly apparent the girls and grandkids were front and center in their lives. We've known Tom and Linda for over 30 years, and this has always been so. He was a very proud dad, and, later,  an even prouder grandfather.  We giggled while listening to this seasoned couple spar about Tom's occasional backseat driving and what had become habitual daily nap obligations. However, it was clear Tom was still in awe of his lovely wife. He was simply enamored with Linda's quiet, dedicated, nurturing of the the family, and I knew he was immeasurably proud of her, too.

When we lived in Colorado, Tom would always stop and stay a night or two when he traveled through on business. My kids were very young at the time. On his first visit, I heard the doorbell ring and a lot of rustling at the front of the house. As I came around the corner I saw Tom and my son and daughter all dancing in a circle in the living room singing "Ring Around the Rosie". They would all plop onto the floor and laugh, get up, and do it again. From that moment on Tom was  "Uncle Tom" when he came to town. His visits always included a couple of gifts so he had a Santa-like quality when he came in the door.  I would tell him, "You are going to be the best grandfather one day." And, so it was.  

In a perfect world, we would have been able to spend another day with Tom, and reminisce and laugh at shared stories over a cup of coffee. Today, we'll have to settle for that cup of coffee and shared stories with one another about a guy who pretty brilliantly devoted his life to connecting with others in such fun and meaningful way. Rest in peace, Tom!




 

Tom loved his family dearly. He was a rock who listened and spoke the words one needed to hear. He will always have a piece of our heart and we will miss him, especially at Thanksgiving where he joked around before the meal, usually first in line to get the meal, then disappear after the meal to catch a quick nap. Your family was blessed to have your love. Please help watch over us❤️

Tom you were such a mentor to me and I will always remember things that you would say I'm so honored that I met your amazing family when you would come to Kappys restaurant to eat my thoughts and prayers go out to your family and you will truly be misses!!

I remember the first day I met Tom and his wife Linda at the Alano club in Des plaines... Tom and I became good friends from that day on we called each other wacko!
Tom kept me a straight arrow he told me he would have to hunt me down if I didn't show up he will be forever in my heart and my heart goes out to his family. He was straight to the point that's what I need it in my life.

All -  Please do share memories of my dad here on this site.  One that I thought about this morning was when he would stop by my house... recently he would paint stella's nails and let her paint his.  He would love to go to his meetings and show his friends that his granddaughter painted them.  He loved talking about Stella, and her "unconditional love"....

OBITUARY

Thomas M. Donohue

March 19, 1942 – November 15, 2019

Oehler Funeral Home

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