Thomas Michael Donofrio

Thomas Michael Donofrio, 77, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Missoula, Montana, with his family by his side. His passing followed complications related to Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam.

Tom was born on September 12, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to Michael Donofrio and Margaret Ciphers. He spent his early childhood growing up in a close-knit Italian neighborhood where he loved playing Little League baseball with his father. After the passing of his father, Tom moved to California at age 10 to live with his mother and sisters.

Tom graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1967 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He attended basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, where he was selected as Brigade Commander for his graduating class, leading more than 2,000 recruits. He was later assigned to Beach Jumper Unit One, Naval Special Forces Command in Coronado, California.

In August 1968, Tom deployed to Vietnam, where he served two consecutive tours in-country and aboard LPHs. It was during these assignments that he was exposed to Agent Orange. Tom returned home in September 1969 after proudly serving his country.

On October 4, 1969, Tom married the love of his life, Barbara Enck. The two met the year before while playing pool at the USO in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. Thier marriage spanned more than 56 loving years.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1971, Tom and Barb returned to Toledo, Ohio, where they began the next chapter of their lives together as civilians.

In 1979, Tom and Barb moved to Missoula, Montana, where they continued building their life together and later welcomed their daughter, Katie, in February 1982. Tom worked in sales at Flanagan Motors before earning his real estate broker’s license and opening Castle Realty in Missoula. He served the community through his work in real estate for many years before retiring in 2012.

Tom loved the outdoors and cherished time spent playing softball, camping, and making memories with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Riley and Teryn Christofferson. Tom also had a passion for off-road racing, a love he proudly shared with his daughter Katie. He was an enthusiastic Griz fan and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team.

Tom and Barb also shared a love of travel and enjoyed many special trips together to Hawaii, Alaska, and Ireland. One of Tom’s most meaningful recent trips was traveling on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., alongside fellow veterans and his daughter Katie, visiting the memorials dedicated to those who served.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his younger sister, Joanne; his niece, Tiffany; and several beloved aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Donofrio; his daughter, Katie Christofferson; his grandchildren, Riley and Teryn Christofferson; his older sister, Judy Donofrio and her daughter, Kai; his sister-in-law, Mary (Dick) Milbauer; and his brother-in-law, Don (Terri) Enck.

Military honors and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at noon, June 19, 2026 at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, Montana.

Tom will be remembered for his love of family, his service to his country, his adventurous spirit, and the many lives he touched along the way.