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THOMAS MCDONAGH Obituary
November 24, 2011
Thomas P. McDonagh, Jr., 84, died Thursday, November 24, 2011 at Avow Hospice near his home in Naples, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, five of their six children, and thirteen grandchildren.
Tom was born April 17, 1927 in La Plata, Maryland. He attended Mount St. Joseph High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Following his military service, he entered the University of Miami where he met his wife of 59 years and in 1952 graduated as president of his Senior Class and Sigma Nu Fraternity with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Economics.
Upon graduation, he went to work in sales for IBM and later moved into management. Recognizing the potential of computer technology, he left IBM in 1967 to found Computer Assistance, Inc., a consulting and Software Company.
Based in West Hartford, Connecticut the company grew to 18 locations nationwide and employed over 600 people. Tom was a long time Board Member of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. In 1989, he accepted an offer from what was then the accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand to purchase his company. He remained with Coopers to assist the transition and then in 1990, he and Gloria retired to Naples, spending summers in Stratton Mountain, Vermont. Tom was both a world traveler and an avid golfer, belonging to both Collier's Reserve and Royal Poinciana in Naples. He was active in the Naples Philharmonic Society, a Diplomat of the Naples Community Hospital Foundation, and a past President and current Board Member of the Naples Council of the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., December 4, at the Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109 followed immediately by a Service. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 5, at St. William Catholic Church in Naples where Tom was a member.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to your favorite charity or to the Naples St. Vincent De Paul Society, 2874 Davis Blvd., Naples FL 34104-4337 or the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, PO Box 10102, Naples FL 34101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS MCDONAGH
Gino Calderone
November 22, 2022
I worked with and for Tom from 1969 up thru his retirement from Cooper and Lybrand in the early 1990s. Wonderful leader and businessman. To this day I pass on to my children his statement during tough economic times at Computer Assistance which was to look at expenses and life "is it nice or necessary".
I miss him and many of our working partners.
Gino Calderone
Jane Morris
December 6, 2011
Dear McDonagh family,
We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. What a legacy he leaves behind!! I feel lucky to have had a connection to this fabulous family. The love, laughter, and caring that exists with all of you is a testament to foundation he and Gloria created. I miss those of you that I haven't seen recently as you were all such a part of my growing up. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. All our love,
Jane and Mike Morris
Francis Posey
December 1, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. I last saw Tommy and Gloria at my mom's funeral and am glad to here that he will eventually be buried along side her and family at Chapel Point.
I have fond memories of him and his family when I was a kid. I remember hearing that he would occasionally drive wearing a gorilla mask and when he pulled up to a traffic light he would get some pretty funny looks.
I extend my condolences and love to his family.
F.R. Posey
Kevin Finnegan
December 1, 2011
We are saddened to have heard about Tom's Passing. He led a noteworthy life. I always enjoyed talking with him because he was such an interesting man. He possessed great insight and perspective on a variety of different subjects. It was obvious that he was also a very good listener. I remember several years ago speaking with him about my company and the business challenges which we with facing. He had many great questions and observations. He was also quite humorous! I enjoyed our conversation greatly. Tom was also a kind and caring person.
Please accept the condolences of our family. Tom will be missed.
Kevin Finnegan
December 1, 2011
We were saddened to hear about Toms passing . He was an impressive man that lived a noteworthy life. I always enjoyed speaking with him because his knowledge and perspective was grounded and carried great insight . I remember several years ago getting into a discussion with him about my company and business in general. I was so impressed with how he broke down challenges and opportunites , his sense of humor and the style in which he spoke added to my interest in what he had to say . He was an extremely interesting and kind man. Please accept the condolences from our entire family .
Sarah McDonagh
November 30, 2011
My Grandfather was one of the best people i'll ever know... As expected we are all sad and heartbroken but we all knew he was earthbound just to be fitted for his wings and is up there watching all of the people who knew and loved his as much as I did. Lets not be sad but grateful for the person who we all knew and loved. My grandfathers body is no longer here but his spirit will live on forever. peace love and happiness
John Hammerbeck
November 30, 2011
Gloria and Family, We were very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. In 1978 he gave me the opportunity of life time. For thirteen years Tom was a mentor and a friend. I owe much of my business success to what I learned from Tom. I regret deeply that Claire and I can not be there for the Services and extend our sympathies to your entire Family.
Robert A. Pabich
November 30, 2011
I was saddened to learn about the passing of Mr. McDonagh. It's been very many years since I've seen him, but I still have very fond memories of him from when I was just a child and my mother worked for him. I'll always remember him as a very kind and generous person. Even though I was just a kid, I do remember he always had a way of offering positive and helpful advice in such a genuine way. As I got older, I certainly learned to respect his business accomplishments as well. It was truly a pleasure to know such an inspirational person. My mother and I both send our deepest condolences to the entire McDonagh family; the world lost a wonderful and amazing person. Your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time.
November 29, 2011
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Pablo Friedrich and Family
Terri Hazard Bonee
November 29, 2011
To All the McDonagh's - my heart is breaking for you! :(... Tom was quite an impressive guy! You only have to look at his amazing family to know that - and that is just one of his legacies!! Words cannot express my sadness at your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I love you.
T.
November 29, 2011
Dearest Aunt Gloria, My deepest sympathy to you and my cousins. I will always have very fond memories of my wonderful Uncle. If mom were alive this would be very hard for her to take. She loved him so much. My thoughts are with you and your family. With much love, Mary Ann
Ed Cahill
November 29, 2011
To my uncle Thomas P. McDonagh,
I'm a grown man but I can't help but shed tears for one the finest men that I had the pleasure to know—always steady, always smart and totally devoted to his family. A gentleman who's success was assured but never flaunted. Together with my Aunt Gloria they recognized that my dear mother needed assistance way before myself or anyone in my family did. They supported her with attention and money that made her life comfortable when she needed it most and when no else could. For this alone I would say a prayer everyday to honor him but he was much more than that. He was the captain of that ship that made his family an example of what's best about America—entrepreneurial, unafraid, and dedicated to family, friends, employees and the community. They broke the mold —his like was rare then and much rarer now. I will miss him.
Aimee Klee
November 29, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, so sorry for you loss.
Christine Chesser
November 28, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Tom through my employment at St. Vincent de Paul Society, Naples. He was always very caring. His smile will always be in my mind and his kindness I will carry in my heart. My deepest sympathies to Gloria and all his loved ones.
Chris Chesser, Naples, FL
JoAnne DiMarco
November 28, 2011
Gloria, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. May your love and memories together bring you comfort. Thanksgiving Day was when my Tom passed 5 years ago and God has given me the strenghth to go on. God Bless you and your family. Much love JoAnne DiMarco
Gino Calderone
November 28, 2011
I worked for Tom for almost 30 years and he was a great boss, very fair, demanding and forward thinking. Tom was responsible for the financial success of so many people. His love for golf was shared with many and we all had many laughs after a round of golf while sharing in a few cocktails. I am blessed to have known Tom and fortunate to have worked for him. We will all miss Tom! My deepest sympathies to Gloria and the entire McDonagh.
Gino Calderone
November 28, 2011
The Philharmonic Center for the Arts celebrates the life of Thomas P. McDonagh, a loyal patron of the arts and extends our sincere sympathy to his loved ones.
Susan Janiak
November 28, 2011
I have wonderful memories of my years working with Tom. His kindness and generosity; his love of life; his love of family. Gloria and Tom always returned from their global travels with gifts for his employees; the holiday parties at Wamp were legendary; every year Tom was the star of the dance floor in his red holiday sports jacket (how old was that jacket?!!); beautiful Christmas gifts, undoubtedly selected by Gloria; and always birthday remembrances. We all worked hard in the first “company headquarters” – an older, three-story house on Park Road with rickety, loud window air conditioners and a loud bell to ring when a new client came onboard – and then on Lewis Street and finally North Main Street. Tom made a difference, and I am proud to have worked alongside him. My deepest sympathies to Gloria and the entire McDonagh “dynasty”.
Lynda Ainslie
November 28, 2011
I was with Mr. McDonagh via Dial-a-Nurse only a few days but found him to be a special person. It was a pleasure to have worked for him and Mrs. McDonagh. I extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a special loved one to all his family.
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