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Thomas Donohue Obituary
Thomas was born December 15, 1939 in San Francisco, CA, the oldest of three children to Thomas and Mary Donohue and loving brother to Mary (Bonnie) Dowd and Patricia George. His family moved to San Francisco where he grew up and attended Balboa High School and later enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at age 17 ('57-'60). In 1961 he married Genevieve Diodati and started their family.
He earned a Bachelor's of Science from JFK University and a MBA in Criminal Justice from Golden State University.
Upon honorable discharge from the USMC he began a long distinguished career in law enforcement starting at the Daly City Police Department and later transferring to the Oakland Police Department. Over the next 33 years he diligently served the City of Oakland finishing his career as Sr. Deputy Chief of Police.
Thomas has been recognized by the City of Oakland and the State of California for the contributions he has made to the community. He was the Founder and Chair of the Asian Advisory Committee on Crime, Chair of the Latino Advisory Committee on Crime; he established the Departments first Gang task force and formed stronger alliances between the police and the communities to reduce crime. He was Incident Commander of the Oakland Hills Fire and led the City's search and recovery efforts after the Loma Prieta Earthquake.
Thomas retired in 1995 and later moved to Arnold, CA enjoying a life of fishing, relaxation, and visiting his children and grandchildren. In 2004 Thomas was lucky enough to find love again and met Joanne Westmark. They enjoyed vacationing and experiencing new adventures together as they held hands to the very end.
Friends and Colleagues may visit Thursday, Oct 13 from 6-9pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City where a Vigil Service will be held at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at 1pm at Holy Angels Parish Church, 107 San Pedro Rd. in Colma. Reception to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Donohue
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Joseph Samuels
October 13, 2016
Chief Donohue was the quintessential officer and gentleman; he possessed a tough mind and a tender heart. I count myself blessed to have been led by and with him. My thanks to his family for sharing him with us. May he rest in peace...
October 13, 2016
He was a straight shooter and had a lot of respect in the department.
RIP Chief
John Rice
Harry Hu
October 13, 2016
A Great Man and An Outstanding Leader! It was an honor to serve under his command! My deepest condolences to the Donohue's family! Rest In Peace Chief!
Marvin Young
October 13, 2016
TOD was a wise and special person. He supported and helped me become a better police officer. I learned a lot from him. He will certainly be missed. RIP Tom.
Minnie Chan
October 13, 2016
Rest in peace, Deputy Chief Donohue.
Harold Newberry
October 12, 2016
As one of many who had the privilege and honor to serve on the Oakland Police Department with Chief Donohue, I offer my sincere condolences to the family. RIP Chief.
Sharon Banks
October 12, 2016
God bless your soul.
Art Brandwood
October 12, 2016
Tom never hesitated to make a decision no matter how difficult the situation was. He was a stand up guy and will be greatly missed. Art Brandwood
Barbara Sundahl
October 12, 2016
He was a good man. RIP <3
Lynda and Leon Drummer
October 12, 2016
To the Donahue Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of
your beloved husband and father. We remember our time at OPD shared with
a very competent Deputy Chief and community leader with an aspiring vision for Oakland's future in diversity issues.
And now, may he rest in peace after having drawn a line through every item on his things to-do-list.
Sincerely,
Marv Halliday
October 12, 2016
One fine, fine man ! Taken way too soon.
Rest in Peace Buddy.
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Donohue
Oct
13
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
Oct
13
Funeral services provided by:
Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
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