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THOMAS MICHAEL DONNELLAN

FUNERAL HOME

Swartz Funeral Home - Flint

1225 West Hill Road

Flint, Michigan

THOMAS DONNELLAN Obituary

Name: Visitation for THOMAS MICHAEL DONNELLAN
Start: 2021-09-09T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-09-10T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Swartz Funeral Home - Flint

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. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com

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Published by Flint Journal from Sep. 5 to Sep. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS DONNELLAN

Sponsored by The Family.

15 Entries

Kathy, Patti, Jennie Donnellan

September 2, 2022

Kathy, Patti, Jennie Donnellan

September 2, 2022

Kathy, Patti, Jennie Donnellan

September 2, 2022

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 serve the people of Flint through your generous support. https://www.fpl.info/about/donate-now

Anna Rossini

September 20, 2021

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,

Richard Benison

September 11, 2021

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

Patrick Wynne

September 9, 2021

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.

Maureen Logar

September 9, 2021

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.

Fawn Perazzo

Sent Flowers

John Streby

September 8, 2021

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. Rest in peace, Tom, and prayers for Kathy, Jennie and Patty.

William Brickley

September 7, 2021

My first experience with Tom was when he was a District Court Judge. We were trying a case and he granted me a directed verdict, meaning we won. It was my first trial victory. I really came to respect him as a judge and found he was very fair. My other experiences did not always end in victory but did leave me with the impression that he was doing a great job and trying to be as fair and impartial as one can be. When Tom returned to private practice I had several encounters with him that were also very positive. He was passionate about his client's case but always respectful and courteous. It was obvious he loved the law with all his heart and our legal profession was better for it.

I am presently President of the Genesee County Bar Association and am so sorry I will not be able to attend either visitation or the service. Tom was always active in the Bar Association and his presence will be missed.

My sympathies to all those who are grieving and please know that he was a wonderful lawyer and an even better man.

Bill

Betty Wesley

September 7, 2021

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

Sam Ragnone

September 6, 2021

Katherine and Family,

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. He was a very nice person, who I always enjoyed seeing, either in Court or while we were practicing law. Tom always had a positive outlook and word, that I appreciated. God Bless Tom, you and the Family.

John O’Brien

September 6, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was my friend and a person who truly cared about others. Those who appeared in his courtroom could always be assured they would be treated with dignity, fairly and justly. My sincere condolences to Kathy and the family.

Roberta Wray

September 6, 2021

So sorry to learn of Tom´s passing. He was a dedicated public servant and a champion of the law.

kevin mcquillan

September 5, 2021

Very sad to hear of the passing if Thomas. Wonderful and distinguished man who will dearly missed.
Thoughts and prayers going out for the entire Donnellan family

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