Thomas Ryan Donahue

1951 - 2022

Thomas Ryan Donahue
January 18, 1951 - April 21, 2022
Thomas Ryan Donahue, age 71, passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer in San Francisco on April 21, 2022 with his family by his side. Tom was one of five children born to William J. Donahue and Shirley A. Ryan. He attended St. Brendan Grammar School ('65), St. Ignatius High School ('69), and USF. A San Francisco native with a warm and friendly personality, Tom formed loyal friendships at an early age with neighbors, classmates, and the West Portal community which lasted a lifetime.
Tom was a 41 year business partner with his brother, Richard, at Donahue's Marina Lounge and the Philosopher's Club bars in San Francisco. He had a keen listening ear and patrons loved his welcoming demeanor, quick wit, and sense of humor. Time spent with Tom turned strangers into patrons and patrons into lifelong friends.
Tom was a proud member of the Olympic Club for over 53 years and his OC family is extensive. While Tom loved playing golf at the OC, his golf outings with friends took him from the British Isles to Carmel Valley to the Russian River and countless courses in between, and he especially loved any 19th hole where he would hold court.
Tom's love of sports, and SI football experience, inspired him to coach varsity football at Abraham Lincoln High School and Galileo High School, with a career spanning 25 years. He loved coaching and mentoring players and valued his relationships with fellow coaches and supporters.
Tom's strong character, genuineness, generosity, heart of gold, enviable storytelling abilities, and caring nature endeared him to everyone. His friends and family knew how much he cherished life and loved traveling the world, and how he could always elicit laughter and smiles from those around him. But, if he wasn't happy with something, his famous laser glance would settle the matter on the spot.
He is survived by his sisters Sheilagh Donahue O'Connor (Ron), Dee Dee Donahue Bovone (George), his brother Richard Donahue (Pam Christopher) and pre-deceased by his brother William Donahue. Tom is cherished by his six nieces, four nephews, eleven grand-nephews, and 2 grand-nieces and many other relatives.
Tom, your stories, spirit, and "Irish Goodbyes" will live on and always be part of your legacy. We will love you and miss you eternally.
As requested by Tom, private services will be held. A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Abraham Lincoln High School (ALHS) football is appreciated. Make checks payable to: ALHS Sports Foundation and send to: Lincoln Football c/o Philip Ferrigno, 708 Bradley Ave. Novato, CA 94947.