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Thomas Donnell Obituary

Thomas "Tom" White Donnell, Jr., 85, of Media, formerly of Newtown Square, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 14, 2023 at Sunrise of Newtown Square. He was the devoted husband of Janice Lynne (nee Oldfield) Donnell. Born in Philadelphia on November 11, 1937, Tom was the oldest son of the late Thomas W. and Agnes Jane (nee Davidson) Donnell. Tom was a graduate of Olney High School, Philadelphia. He served faithfully in the US Navy before returning to Philadelphia to go on to receive his Bachelors at West Chester University, his Masters at Villanova University and worked towards his PhD at Temple University (one dissertation shy to achieve his doctorate). Tom became a teacher and administrator for 36 years in the former Lansdowne-Aldan School District, now known as the William Penn School District. He also coached various sports in the district. He coached at Newtown Edgmont Little League for many years. Tom enjoyed fishing at Darby Creek. He also enjoyed fishing at his shore house at Wildwood Crest. He relaxed closer to home in Newtown Square, where he enjoyed the outdoors. In addition to his wife, Janice, Tom is survived by three children, Thomas White Donnell and his wife, Marie of Glenmoore, Heather Lynne (nee Donnell) Luffy and her husband, Kevin of Mays Landing, NJ and Todd Robert Donnell and his wife, Tracy of Newtown Square. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Ryan, Paige, Abbey, Chase, Jake, Tommy and Sean. In addition to his parents, Tom is predeceased by his younger brother, William Donnell. Interment will be private in Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Times from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2023.

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2 Entries

Dave Herman

April 27, 2023

Sorry to hear of Mr D´s passing last month. One of my all time favorite teachers. I had him in 1965-1966 for 6th grade at East Lansdowne Elementary School. He taught us as much about being a better person as he did teaching us our school lessons. I remember his car, I think it was a green Studebaker Lark station wagon, parked at school with all his fly fishing gear in it. Thanks Mr D for all you did for us. RIP!

Bonnie Smith

March 25, 2023

Just wanted to share how much Mr. Donnell as a fifth grade teacher at. Aldan elementary school back in the late 80´s and early 90´s changed my son life with directing him to wrestling. He literally saved his life (& mine)
He also taught my daughter a couple years later. We stopped to see him years later at his home In Wildwood. Crest where he welcomed us and gave us bikes to ride! What a special man he was. I thank. God that he provided the "gift" of. Mr. Donnell In Our lives.

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