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BORN

1942

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations - Salem

84 Washington Square

Salem, Massachusetts

THOMAS O'DONNELL Obituary

O'DONNELL, Thomas A. Of Salem & Danvers, age 76, died unexpectedly, March 2, 2019. A licensed funeral director for almost 60 years, he was the proprietor of the 4th generation family owned, O'Donnell Funeral Home in Salem & Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Danvers & former chairman & board member of the Division of Professional Licensure, Board of Funeral Directing and Embalming. Tom is survived by his son, Anthony C. O'Donnell of Salem, his brother, Henry J. "Hank" O'Donnell & wife Diane of Salem, his nephew, Carlos O'Donnell & fiancée, Elizabeth Rauscher of Beverly Farms, his niece, Liliana O'Donnell of Washington DC, his long-time companion Carol Lindsay of Boston & Palm Beach, FL, his aunt, Nancy O'Donnell of Salem & many cousins on both the O'Donnell & Dunn sides. Relatives & friends are invited to his Funeral Mass which will be held in the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem, Saturday, March 9, at 11 A.M. Kindly go directly to the church. Visiting Hours in The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), SALEM, Friday, March 8, from 4 to 7 P.M. Please do not send flowers. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to The O'Donnell Family Scholarship Foundation, C/O North Shore Bank, 248 Andover St., Peabody, MA 01923. www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

View the online memorial for Thomas A. O'DONNELL

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Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS O'DONNELL

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Alicemarie Lesch

June 4, 2024

In 2007, Thomas and James Masterson helped me to exhumed the remains of my infant son, Shaun Michael, in the Field of Reservations. Thomas made it happen and with full funeral vehicles brought my son to be buried in my crematory plot. Thomas made it happen with St. Mary's Catholic cemetery, pulling permits, and laying my son to rest. I never forgot his generous nature and kindness.

Wayne Brasco

March 1, 2020

Anthony
I have Dad's picture hanging on the wall in front of my desk so I see him every morning, just wanted you to know I am thinking about you during this time of the year, hope all is well

John Serafini Jr

March 29, 2019

We mourn the passing of a rare man---a leader in his craft, community minded and always a gentleman. While we were away we recently learned of Tom's passing. This brought to mind some of the many funerals for family and friends Tom conducted, all of which were executed with great attention to detail, sensitivity, and grace.

Our father passed away just a year ago. They were good friends. Tom and Anthony of course responded superbly as expected, even though Tom was just recovering from a serious illness. My father would have appreciated his fine send off. I know our family did.

We will miss you, Tom, as an exemplary member of the Salem community, but also as a good friend. The Serafni family.

Ann Evangelista Evangelista

March 20, 2019

Our family, though we no longer live in the Salem area, are deeply saddened by the loss of Tom. He always treated the Veazey/Smith family with loving kindness. God rest his soul.

Brendan Teahan

March 14, 2019

My Grandfather John Peter McNulty and Tommy's Grandmother Mary Dunn were brother and sister. I heard for many years of the Kindness displayed by the Dunn's/O'Donnell's going back to when my Grandfather immigrated to the United States, and when he got to Salem a group of the little Dunn's were there to greet him as he walked to his sisters house. Tommy continued the kindness displayed by his family years later as he helped my family with the funerals of both my parents ten years apart. My prayers are with the entire O'Donnell Family.

Sister Margaret Coyne

March 12, 2019

I met Tom when he visited my brother-in-law before he passed away. They were classmates at MMA. Tom was a kind and sincere gentleman.
He shared with me how much he loved St.Theresa of the Little Flower. He was a man of faith?
Rest In Peace Tom!
My sympathy to his son and siblings.
God bless you!

Patricia Abdo-Schneider

March 12, 2019

I was so saddened to read in the on-line Salem News about Tommy's passing. I knew him as a neighborhood friend when I was growing up on Pleasant Street, and also when I was in the Immaculate Conception drill team and he was in the band. Then on to Salem High School, class of 1960. I remember him fondly from those childhood days and send my deepest sympathy to his family.

Joseph Michael McCarthy

March 11, 2019

My sincere condolences to Anthony, Hank , Dianne and the entire O'Donnell family. Tommy had a big heart and cared for everyone. I will always keep the entire family in my prayers.

Joseph Michael McCarthy

March 11, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mark Meche

March 11, 2019

Anthony and the O'Donnell Family | Please accept my condolences on the loss of Tom. I didn't know him for long but found him to be warm and charming. He would walk over to my desk after meetings to chat. The Mass and Celebration of Life on Saturday was heartwarming, especially Anthony's Words of Remembrance.

Vickie Wilson

March 10, 2019

Salem and the O'Donnell family were an important part of my youth. I send my condolences,my thoughts and my prayers to you during this difficult time.

Richard Morin

March 9, 2019

Tommy, you've been a tremendous friend to me and the Morin family for many years. You've always been a guiding light for us at times of our greatest need, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I've cherished our friendship through the years, and will certainly miss the many discussions we've enjoyed about each others families.
Rest in peace, my friend

Bob and Lana Danish

March 9, 2019

Tony...Please accept our sincere condolences upon the passing of your Dad. The obituary described a man of honor and compassion that will be missed by many people . We know you will carry on his legacy with pride. May he rest in eternal peace.

March 9, 2019

So sorry for the loss of your father Anthony. You and your family has helped me many times over the years. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Janice (Keohane) Carlan.

Ruthann Mscisz

March 8, 2019

RIP my friend will miss you we had a lot of good times with family and friends! Tommy until we meet again!

Dale Bowden

March 8, 2019

Thomas was helpful when my father Jean Gastonguay and later my mother Louise passed away. Being only a teenager at the time, it was such a comfort knowing that the arrangements were taken care of by such a kind and caring person. I will always remember his kindness.

Jerry Smith

March 8, 2019

Anthony, Rhonda and I send Our deepest condolences to you and the family. Tommy was a good man. We are saddened by this lost, but rejoice in having known him. We are thankful for his years of support for the Salem Common Neighborhood Association (SCNA) and for the City of Salem. I will miss his wicked smile! God bless you and the family.

Jerry Smith
President SCNA

Amy Viselli

March 6, 2019

Anthony and family, so sorry to hear of Dad's passing. He was a wonderful man who touched so many lives in the city of Salem. He will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.

Cynthia Quinn

March 6, 2019

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. O'Donnell. The Greaves Family would like to extend our sympathy during this difficult time.

Dave¨ Courtney

March 6, 2019

Rest In Peace Tommy

Jason Walker

March 6, 2019

Very sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Hope you find peace and comfort in the days to come. Warm wishes Jason & Candice

carol cudmore

March 6, 2019

Good man inside and out ...May you Rest in peace my friend ..I will always remember your words ( That's
what friend's are for ....God Bless

John P. Wilkinson

March 6, 2019

To Thomas. Will miss your friendship over the year.. We were part of Salem Common gang growing up Rest in peace

Carol Lindsay

March 6, 2019

You were an example of how to care for others and taught many of us to follow you. I feel lucky to have spent 17 years sharing your wisdom and your wit. God bless you and keep you. Carol

Wayne Brasco

March 6, 2019

Tom was my classmate in mortuary school, and was one of the best gentlemen I have ever called my friend, his good deeds and charitable acts will go before him. The light of our world is a little dimmer after the loss of this guy.

Anthony, and all of Toms family please accept my deepest sympathy and genuine solace as you travel the path that Tom assisted so many on during his career,

Bless you

Wayne F.X. Brasco Sr.
Waltham, Ma

Jane Moulison

March 8, 2019

I'm very sorry for your loss, Anthony. My husband, Johnny Moulison grew up with Tommy on the common. When Johnny died, I don't know what I would have done without Tommy. No matter what came up, it was always "Not to worry, Janie. We'll take care of it." My family and I will always have a special place in our hearts for Tommy. H will be missed.

Rosemarie & Joseph Ryan

March 8, 2019

We are so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all the O'Donnell/Dunne Families. May all your happy memories sustain you through this very sad time. We have such fond memories of all the O'Donnell family and send our love and prayers to all.

Nancy Sirois

March 8, 2019

Anthony, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the untimely loss of your dad. Tom was a great person with a big heart and a wonderful family man. With sincere sympathy.

John Metcalfe

March 8, 2019

Tom was frequently among my passengers on weekend liberty drives from Castine to Marblehead, which were often enlivened by his dry sense of humor. Years later Tom was a great comfort to me and my family when he assisted with my mother's final arrangements. He was my classmate and friend who will be sorely missed, but what a full, generous and rewarding life.

Unfortunately I will not be able to be at the funeral but I will have memories of our time together in mind.

Rev. Kevin Smith

March 8, 2019

To Anthony and the entire O'Donnell Family, I'm just heartbroken in hearing of Tom's passing. Tom was a great man, kind, helpful, a wonderful business man, honorable and dedicated to serving people in the mist difficult times. God blessed us all with his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Tom will surely be missed.
Rev. Kevin Smith, Retired, Maple Street Church

Deborah Jones

March 8, 2019

Dear Anthony & family, I was heartbroken to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a fine and gentleman, it was a pleasure working with Tom for many years, he will be missed by the whole community. God Bless him and your family.

Paul Durand

March 8, 2019

Anthony: I am so saddened to hear of your loss. My deepest, heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. I enjoyed working with your father so much and I loved hearing the stories of his life. He was truly a gem. I know you will miss him as will I.

Susan and Owen Gavigan

March 8, 2019

A kind and interesting man with a big heart. Happy memories of him at St.Georges and Harbour Island. We shall all miss him. Our love and sympathy to Tony and all his loved ones. God bless and sunny skies. The Gavigan Family

Rylance and Twyla Lord

March 8, 2019

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the O'Donnell Family on the loss of Tom. I remember him as a classmate at Salem High School (1960). Tom and I were in the same math class, so many years ago. In the very early 2000s, I had a contact with Tom as I sought some genealogical information and recall getting an eMail from him in that regard. I was surprised to learn Tom was a Brother Mason - a Member of my dad's Lodge in Salem. I joined in Topsfield in 1969. I will keep Tom and the O'Donnell Family in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Pharmacist (Ret) Rylance Lord, Twyla, and Matt
Springfield, Ohio

Tamara Walsh

March 8, 2019

I was deeply saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. I first met him in the late 50's at my Aunt Harriet's ballroom class. He was in his teens and I was still a child. When their time came, he took care of all of them, and my mother many years later. We kept in contact over the years, and managed to get together from time to time for dinner, and I treasured those times. He was a kind, gentle and sincere man, and the kind of true gentleman that is not often seen today. I will miss him terribly.

Bob & Bonnie BOYCE, SR.

March 7, 2019

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Tom O'Donnell. Tom laid to rest many members of my and my wife's families. His compassion in doing what he did was one of his great attributes. He will be missed.

Bob & Bonnie (Foss) Boyce formally of Maple St. Danvers currently Spring Tx.

Ellen (Bane) Haugk

March 7, 2019

So sorry to hear this. O'Donnels funeral home has taken care of several of our family members. Including my parents Vince and Marie (Bulter) Bane. It felt like family helping us during a very difficult time. Tom especially made us feel at home. He had a quick wit and was a good sport.
Thoughts and prayers for all concerned.

Larry Sharon

March 7, 2019

Tony, we are sorry for your loss. Matt has always spoken so highly of you and your family. He will be heartbroken to hear the about your dad. We will let him know the news as soon as we are able. Larry, Julie & Katie Sharon, Wallingford, VT

Chrissie Dunn

March 7, 2019

Anthony, So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I only met him once, last spring when you helped me through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family and work family.

Arthur Francis

March 7, 2019

So many members of our family thank Tom for his wonderful concern for our family deceased members. He will be missed so much.

Betty Ryan

March 7, 2019

So helpful when my father and mother passed away. Everything could not have gone smoother for my parents at their wake and funeral. Very helpful with all the arrangements. Very helpful and kind to my mother after my father passed away. Very kind to me during my mother's service. Would also send a handwritten Christmas card every year. He also was my limo driver at my wedding. Always friendly and said hello whenever I saw him out or weekly at church.

Shannon Flynn

March 7, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Tom. He was a dear friend of my sister and brother-in-law, and so I have encountered him on many family occasions. He was a wonderfully warm and witty man. Deepest sympathy to you all in this sad time.

Richard C. Nadworny Jr.

March 7, 2019

Anthony,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. I knew your father to be a kind and gracious gentlemen. The obituary really did tell "a life well lived." Rest in Peace Tom

Rick Wilson

March 7, 2019

Speaking for all of the Wilson family, I am so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. He was a tremendous support to my family in times when we needed it the most. He offered solace, guidance and assurance in a most respectful and dignified manner. We always felt that Tommy O'Donnell was one of our extended family members and will continue to keep him, and his family, in our thoughts and prayers. Rick Wilson

Ron Smagala

March 7, 2019

It is with my deepest sympathy to learn of Tommy's death. He was a trusted friend with a gentle hand who's friendship I have valued over these many years. We will miss him. I will pray for his soul.
Ron (Smug) Smagala ❤

Richard C. Nadworny Sr.

March 7, 2019

Anthony and Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mary Kate Giunta

March 7, 2019

Dear Anthony,

I am so saddened to hear about your dad's passing. He was a great family friend and especially helpful with arrangements of my mother's passing. He gave me great advice during a difficult time. He will truly be missed.

Mary Kate Giunta

Laurie Bates

March 7, 2019

i am so very sorry for your loss of Tom. he has been a life long friend to my parents and has touched all of us in some form. he was a very special man. prayers to you all.

David J. Solimine, Sr.

March 7, 2019

Dear O'Donnell and Dunne Families; Especially Anthony, hank and Family, Carol, and Nancy. Having come from outside of the Funeral Profession, I was honored to be welcomed as a friend by Thomas and His Mom. Mrs. O'Donnell was the best funeral establishment worker whom I have ever met. I used to tell Tom that I was going to steal her. God Bless Her Soul and Thomas' too. I shall treasure the friendship and respect w e had for each other and I expect that it will continue with you, Anthony.

God bless you all,
Sincerely, David J. Solimine, Sr.


PS; Anthony; great obituary and perfect photo !!!

Lee and the entire Staff at Tributes

March 7, 2019

A beautiful and moving tribute for your father, Anthony. It's never easy to put an entire lifetime into words, and it's especially difficult when he's one of your own. Well done. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Garry Greer

March 7, 2019

Anthony and family - Deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our familes have been friends for many years and your grandparents close friends of my parents. We have lost a consummate professional and man of great dedication and integrity...he will be missed by many! Sincere and deepest sympathy from the Greer and Ruest families...

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JOHN SMEDILE

March 7, 2019

My sincere Sympathy on the passing of Tommy, we had some good laughs over the years that I lived in Salem. The O'Donnell Family have been good friends over the years.

Hannah Desjardins

March 7, 2019

To say I am heartbroken would be an enormous understatement. Tom was a cherished friend to me for many many years. He took dance lessons from my Aunt, Harriet James, and remained a friend of our family. I am sad beyond words, and will never forget him...

Dianne Redican

March 7, 2019

Deepest sympathies and love to the O'Donnell family . Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Tom's passing. Tom and Anthony have been there countless times for our family in our times of need and in friendship. Sending love and prayers to you all. Dianne Redican and family.

Marescalchi Family

March 7, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lorraine Leonard

March 7, 2019

I am saddened by the loss of such a good person as Thomas O'Donnell. Prayers for Hank and Diane with special prayers for his son Anthony.

Lorraine Leonard

Heather Lyons-Paul Lyons-Paul

March 7, 2019

My heart goes out to all that knew Tommy. He was a kind and gentle man with a heart of gold. Rest well. Your family will be in my thoughts a prayers.

Kevin OKeefe

March 7, 2019

One of the very best.I will forever remember the kindness Tommy showed to my family through many difficult times over the years.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word.
My sincere condolences Anthony, I will never forget your dad.

Philip & Lynne l Scannell

March 7, 2019

Tony,Quite a man... you will be in our Thoughts..

Chuck Walsh

March 7, 2019

SO sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Such a fine man. Rest in peace Tommy.

Charlene Giles Webb

March 7, 2019

Anthony, Hank and Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a wonderful friend for many years and excellent funeral director having served our family for many years during the most difficult times.

Paul Moskevitz

March 7, 2019

I only had met Mr. O'Donnell A few times but my memory of him was that he was a truly friendly man. Knowing his son Anthony the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Please know that we are thinking of you (Tony), Mrs. O'Donnell And the whole family.
The Moskevitz Family

Chris Chetsas

March 7, 2019

Dear Anthony, I am sorry to hear about dad. I always enjoyed working for him. God Bless.

Roy and Eileen Young

March 7, 2019

Anthony, so sorry for your loss! He was a wonderful gentlemen and family friend for many years.

Peggy Pszenny

March 6, 2019

I was a home health aide many years ago and took care of Dorothy, I have many fond and funny memories from my time spent in her home above the funeral parlor....I recall one such time when having to do the laundry which was in the basement and not realizing Tommy was in his office, he heard me coming and hid. He jumped out from behind a door and scared me...I tossed the laundry and he laughed and laughed. Years later when my own father passed it was natural for me to reach out to Tom and he was absolutely wonderful! He took such good care of my family and made our most difficult time that much more bareable. I wish the family love and support during this difficult time and know he will be missed! With Sympathy. Peggy Pszenny

Suzanne Coiro

March 7, 2019

My deepest sympathy, Tom was always so kind, and needless to say very sympathetic. May he RIP

Dave & Luanne St . Pierre

March 6, 2019

Anthony, we are so saddened to learn about your father's passing. Cuz was certainly a special human being, always ready to assist anyone in their time of need with empathy and true understanding. We will miss him dearly.

Linda Raby

March 6, 2019

Rest in peace Tommy. Such a lovely man gone too soon.

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Memorial Events
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Mar

8

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

O'Donnell Funeral Home

46 Washington Sq., Salem, MA

Mar

9

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Immaculate Conception Church

Hawthorne Blvd., Salem, MA

Funeral services provided by:

O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations - Salem

84 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970

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