Thomas L. Donnelly

1926 - 2015

Thomas L. "Tom" Donnelly, 88, of West Hartford died at home Wednesday, June 17, 2015 following a brief illness. Tom was born July 12, 1926 in Bridgeport, CT to Catherine Lennon Donnelly and Albert Donnelly, Sr. His family lived in West Hartford most of his life. Tom was a graduate of Yale University. He loved travel and lived in many locations around the world for example Brazil where he worked for the Moore McCormick Shipping Company. He has also lived on the Isle of Capri, and in France, Spain and Italy. He travelled to many countries in the Middle East and Europe. Travel became his life's work. He became a travel agent with Foley Travel Inc. of Hartford, was Manager of International Travel Services of Farmington, and was Director of Cruises with Kenney Travel Corporation of West Hartford. Tom was also an avid oil painter capturing many of his favorite locations in oil. Tom relished the spoken word and was quick with puns and other witty jokes. He was a great raconteur of tales of his life's adventures. He is an author of several books and plays. Tom was a member of Full Gospel Businessman's Fellowship international, Hartford Chapter. Tom was predeceased by his two brothers, Albert L. Donnelly (Giselle LeGallo) and Robert Donnelly. He is survived by the children of his brother Al: Paul Donnelly (Babette) of Paris, Benedict Donnelly (Annyvonne) of Paris, Marie Annick de Pins (Philippe) of Versailles, Elisabeth Ruby-Donnelly of Verrieres le Buisson, and Claire Beillevaire (David) of Nantes, France. Tom was blessed with many grand nieces and nephews. He is also survived by cousin Martha Edwards of Farmington Maine and Helen McElroy of Fairfield, CT as well as many American cousins. Tom's family wishes to thank the Comfort Keepers Agency of Bloomfield, CT, in particular Maria, Jenny, Barbara, Gem, Robinah, Kathleen, Jimmy, and most especially Henrietta, his live in companion, for their attentive and compassionate care of Tom. We also appreciate the work of Charles Shimkus Jr. his conservator and the wise and kind care of his doctor, Dr. Ronald Szabo. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1655 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. There are no calling hours. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.