Obituary of Thomas J. Donnelly

Thomas J. Donnelly

August 9, 1956 – November 13, 2024

Thomas Joseph Donnelly of Rochester, New York died at home, peacefully in his sleep, following a long illness.  He was born August 9, 1956, in Binghamton, New York, the son of the late William E. Donnelly and the late Florence P. Donnelly (née Pilchard).   

Tom is survived by his brother, Bryan P. Donnelly (Barbara J. LaVerdi) of Rochester, New York; nephews, Richard (Rebecca) Donnelly of Jacksonville, Florida and Michael (Tu) Donnelly of Paramus, New Jersey; great-niece, Rose Donnelly of Jacksonville, Florida, and six first cousins and their children, including Robert Petrocelli of Maryland, Anne Artusio of California, and Deborah Donnelly of Pennsylvania.

Tom was an Eagle Scout from Troop 230 in Penfield.  He was a 1974 graduate of Penfield High School.  He attended St. John Fisher College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1978.  He earned an MBA from Syracuse University in 1980.

Tom was a nearly 30 year-long employee of IBM, traveling the world as a Senior Project Manager within its Government Systems Division in Washington, D.C.  He regaled his nephews when they were young with stories of the far-flung countries he had visited in his job, brought them interesting and unique items and books from all his travels, and periodically would send postcards to their elementary school classes.  Tom also loved nature, hiking throughout the American Southwest with his cousin,Bob,and visiting national parks throughout the entire United States.  

Although Tom never had a wife or children of his own, he was always there for his family, and delighted in showering his nephews with Lego bricks and kits and playing continuous board games with them over the holiday seasons.  He helped his cousin Anne by driving her car from New York to California when she moved west, and attended Washington Wizards basketball games with his cousin Bob.  In addition to family, travel and nature, Tom was fascinated with outer space, having seen several rocket launches in Florida.  

Tom was a loyal son. Upon his mother’s illness, in 2014 he returned to Rochester from Washington D.C. and visited her daily in the nursing home until her death.  He could always be counted on to keep in contact with the more distant family members and took a keen interest in their lives.  He was a good and loving man and will be truly missed. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at a future date at the convenience of the family, with eventual interment in Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, New York.  Memorial contributions can be directed to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org the RRH Sands-Constellation Heart Institute Fund (Fund ID 960011) www.rrhgive.org  or the charity of your choice.