Thomas J. Donchez

Thomas Joseph Donchez, Sr., 84, of Nazareth, PA, passed away from natural causes on March 9th, surrounded by his children, at Country Meadows Assisted Living in Bethlehem.

Tom was born on December 21st to Frank and Julia (Sinko) Donchez. After graduating from Liberty High School in 1955 he held various jobs such as auto mechanic and butcher before starting a career in the Bethlehem Steel Corp as a Rate Setter. Tom met his wife, Geraldine Lang, at a school dance. They married in 1959. Tom and Gerry resided in Fountain Hill, PA, and had five children; sons, Thomas Jr. (Debbra); Michael (Michelle); Joseph (Veronica); Timothy (Cindy) and daughter, Maryann Shigo (John), grandchildren; Randi and Casey; Michael Jr.; Ryan and Andrew; Matt, Jack, Livi; Rachel and Morgan.

With the loss of Geraldine to cancer in 1994 and forced retirement due to the closure of Bethlehem Steel, Tom downsized and moved to Catasauqua, and eventually met his second wife, Judith Arndt, when he was hired to do some work on her house. They moved to Nazareth and married in 2007. He worked as a self-employed carpenter, a passion he enjoyed most of his life.

He was a member of various clubs and societies, including MORA (Men of Retirement Age), Windward Sailing Club, and held the position as president of the First Windish Fraternal Benefit Society of Bethlehem. Tom was an outdoorsman all his life and he could be found hunting the woods of Sullivan County at Holly Farms, captain of a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, leading the Northeastern Ski Council on trips around the world, and proudly coaching skiing athletes for The Special Olympics.

Tom was an absolute stickler for getting a job done. The product of an old school upbringing and teaching, he would in no uncertain terms let you know if you were not doing something correctly. Whether it was his own family, Special Olympic kids or strangers chartering a boat to learn sailing, you learned the proper way quickly!

Tom was the epitome of a man’s man, enjoying a good piece of prime rib, cigar and a glass of Scotch. But, most of all, he enjoyed a good razzing while meeting or dining with any of his clubs members or fellow hunters, while waiting on that perfect buck to pass by. Friday morning breakfasts with the sailing guys were days he looked forward to weekly. We’re happy knowing, he will rejoin members, who had previously passed away, picking up where they left off-let him have it boys!

The family will hold a private celebration this summer. In honor of Tom, please consider donating to The Special Olympics.