Col. Thomas A. MacDonnell

Colonel Thomas A. MacDonnell, U.S. Army, Retired, passed away on May 20, 2024 in his home in Pawley's Island, S.C., surrounded by his six children. Tom was born in Waltham, MA, on August 18, 1931, to John J. and Frances (Mooney) MacDonnell. He was the oldest of their three sons.
Following high school graduation, Tom attended and graduated from Boston University where he was in the ROTC program. While at BU, he served on the Student Council and was elected Student Council President, igniting his lifelong participation in politics. He was the recipient of the College Man of the Year Award. In 1965, Tom received a master's degree from the University of Alabama where he was elected to Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society.
In 1954, Tom married the love of his life Dorothy Jordan, daughter of Joseph C. Jordan and Mary Jordan, of Jamaica Plains, MA. The two of them loved and supported each other throughout their 68-year marriage, which ended upon Dorothy's death in 2022. Tom was a devoted Catholic, husband and father.
In 1955, Tom was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Although his initial plan was to just fulfill his ROTC obligation to his country, his sense of service to his nation, his love for the Army and his fellow servicemen compelled him to serve our nation for 30 years. Initially serving in the Infantry and he transitioned to the Military Police Corps, where he spent the majority of his career. During his service he received numerous decorations and awards, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, obtained the rank of Colonel, and retired in 1985. In 2006, Tom was inducted into The Military Police Hall of Fame.
Tom was highly sought after in the private sector, and upon retirement from the Army, he worked teaching and training at the university level in support of a U.S. State Department program. He was then a Senior Advisor on a major project for the Department of Energy.
In 1994, at the age of 63, Tom fully retired. He and Dorothy moved to Pawley's Island where they were active in their community and church. Tom was active in the Georgetown County Republican Party, serving as the Party's vice chairman and State Executive Committeeman. His activity in local politics and community affairs, reflect his strong sense of civic responsibility. He also made time for his hobbies of gardening and researching family ancestry.
Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Jordan), as well as his two brothers and their wives John (Dolores) MacDonnell and Dr. Kenneth (Ann) MacDonnell with whom he had close relationships. Tom is survived by son Thomas A. Jr. (Sandy) and children Morgan Moutvic (Connor), Caroline, Margaret Norris (Chad); son Sean (Leslie) and daughter Jordan; son Brian (Claudia) and children Katie Hanscome (Steve), Brian Jr. (Ashley), Kevin (Bailey), Molly; daughter Maura Tapley (John) and children Rachel, Hillary Tiernan (J.P.), Erin; daughter Aileen Hughes (Michael) and children Neill (Katie), Elizabeth; daughter Patricia Day (Todd) and children Claire Nelson (Ryan), Courtney Bear (Nathan), Emily Mike (Phil); plus fourteen great grandchildren. Tom will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy of love, integrity, and service will live on in the hearts of all that knew him.
A Catholic Mass will be held at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, Pawleys Island, S.C., on June 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting the church's website at www.pbocchurch.com. Col. Thomas A. MacDonnell will be interned alongside his wife at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a date yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by clicking this link: JDRF Foundation Fundraising Page.
To view this obituary online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, kindly visit the funeral home website at, www.burroughsfh.com
Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family.