Obituary of Thomas P. Donegan

 

 

Thomas Patrick Donegan, age 79, of Marcellus, NY passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. 

 

Tom was born on September 30th, 1945 in Syracuse, the fourth of seven children born to John and Eleanor Donegan.

 

Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Dougherty), his four sons;

Tom (Susan), Joseph, Sean (Colleen), and Martin (Kari). His 11 grandchildren; Michaela (Jeff de Nijs), Lily, McKenna, Ryan, Mitchell, Sophie, Redd, Ella, Kendall, Levi and Kinsley. 

 

He is also survived by his loving extended family including siblings; Carole (Gary Kissenger), Jack (Judy), Mike (Karen), Pete (Ellen), Rick (Nancy), Joel (Dave Hook), and 13 nieces and nephews, many of which he was very close with.

 

He is predeceased by his mother Eleanor (2007), father John (2011), and sister-in-law Carolyn Dougherty (2021).

 

As a child, Tom attended Most Holy Rosary school, and graduated from Central Tech High School in 1963.  He joined the Marine Corp out of High School and served six years of reserves in the Marine Tank Battalion.  In 1968 he married the love of his life, Patricia.  They moved to the Valley Section of Syracuse in 1972 to raise their family where they continued to live until 2014 when they moved to Marcellus.

 

As a teenager, Tom was an Eagle Scout who enjoyed being at his family camp on Oneida Lake, where his parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and his cousins spent their weekends fishing, water skiing and playing horseshoes.  In his 20’s he played softball with his brothers and friends for years before settling in to coach his children.  He became a legendary baseball coach at Valley Little League where he coached all four of his sons from 1975-1995.  Through those years he formed many great relationships, and coached dozens of players that turned out to be life-long friends and acquaintances.  In addition to coaching baseball, he also coached basketball at VJAA in the Valley for over 15 years.

 

Tom began his working career as a sales person for Ral-Rich Tool Supply in Mattydale.  He worked his way up in the company and eventually became a Partner in the business until he retired in 2011.

 

He was a religious man who regularly attended St. James Church in the Valley and later St. Michael’s Church on Onondaga Hill. 

 

Throughout his life, Tom was an avid golfer, fan of Syracuse sports teams and the New York Yankees, and an enthusiastic participant in anything his kids or Patricia were doing. He competed in his family’s golf league until he was 77 years old and loved spending time at the course with his family and friends.

 

Later in life, he became a very dedicated grandfather, who enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was a proud supporter of the Marcellus Senior High School Basketball and Football teams including the Marcellus Booster Club. In this time period, Tom and Pat spent nearly 15 years camping at Cross Lake with his brother Jack and sister-in-law Judy.  At Sunset Park, he loved when his family and Jack and Judy’s family would all spend their weekends there.

 

Tom absolutely loved the life that he and Patricia created together.  The two were inseparable.  He lived for the times that he and Pat spent with their family at dinner parties, birthday parties, holidays, and golf tournaments.  He was considered one of the guys among his son’s friends, many of whom he coached in his younger days.  

 

Those who knew him will remember his kindness, sense of humor, and his caring heart. Above all else, Tom was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by many.   

 

At this time, the funeral services will be for family only.  In-lieu of sending flowers, please feel free to make a small donation to the Marcellus Booster Club.