Thomas-Donnellan-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint

Thomas Michael Donnellan

Flint, Michigan

Jan 13, 1940 – Sep 3, 2021

About

BORN
January 13, 1940
DIED
September 3, 2021
LOCATION
Flint, Michigan

Obituaries

Send Flowers

Swartz Funeral Home - Flint Obituary

DONNELLAN, Thomas Michael - Of Flint, age 81, died Friday, September 3, 2021 at McLaren-Flint.


Tom was born in New York City on January 13, 1940. He was the son of the late Bart and Mary (Casey) Donnellan. He graduated from Queens College and served in the Peace Corp in Cameroon. He then graduated from Fordham Law School. During his long and distinguished legal career, Tom served as Director of Legal Aid for Genesee County, and as a Judge for the 68th District Court.


Tom had a strong sense of justice, and spent most of his career practicing criminal defense law. In a 2006 interview, he said, "What thrills me is finding out that there was some type of an injustice done or an incorrect conclusion of the guilt of a defendant that I can set aside or correct." Tom was a proud member of the Michigan Bar Association for over 50 years, as well as the Genesee County Bar Association and the Michigan Democratic Party.


Surviving are his wife Katherine; daughters Jennifer (Peter Friebe) Donnellan and Patricia Donnellan; siblings Anne Donnellan and John "Jack" Donnellan; and nephews J.D. Walsh and George Spain. He was preceded in death by his brother Kevin Donnellan and sister-in-law Barbara Spain.


Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, September 10th, at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Rd., Flint with Dr. Max B. Hayden officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Thursday, September 9th and 1-2 pm on Friday, September 10th. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac at 2 pm on Monday, September 13.


Tom loved to read and strongly supported the Flint Public Library; accordingly, contributions may be made to the Flint Public Library.


 


 

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Thank you to everyone who shared a memory or note of condolence for Tom Donnellan. September 3rd will be one year since his passing and he is missed every day. We honor his life through your memories of him, please continue to share his legacy with us. If you can spare it, please also consider making a donation to the Flint Public Library; they let us know whenever a new donation comes through in his name and it warms our heart knowing that his love of books and commitment to the library...

To the Thomas M. Donnellan Family: On behalf of the Administration, Faculty and Staff of Queens College, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one. May he Rest in Peace,

Tom was a gentle and kind man. He made a difference and will be well remembered.

On behalf of the Wynne family sending our condolences to Anne and Jack and all of the family. We have many wonderful memories of times together growing up and the close relationship of the Donnellan, Judge and Wynne family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers that you experience the healing power of God's great love.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God Bless the Donnellan Family.

Ivory Elegance Floral Basket

Tom always had an active mind and I enjoyed discussing political issues with him, as well as some of our favorite movies and "war stories" that he had accumulated over many years. He always displayed a very analytical perspective that held up to scrutiny. He was a good listener who didn't attempt to either dominate the conversation or win an argument by intimidation or ridicule. In that respect alone, he deserves not only recognition but emulation in this time of increasing division. ...