Name: Calling hours for Thomas Francis O'Donnell
Start: 2020-01-29T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-01-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Edward the Confessor Church

O'Donnell, Thomas Francis SARATOGA SPRINGS Thomas Francis O'Donnell, age 83, died peacefully on January 24, 2020, at Home of the Good Shepherd, Saratoga Springs. He was born on October 3, 1936, in New York, N.Y. and was the son of the late John J. O'Donnell and Mary F. (Maguire) O'Donnell. Tom was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, N.Y. and receive his bachelor's degree from St. Bonaventure University, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Tom spent his career as an assessor instructor for N.Y.S. Real Property Tax Services in Albany, retiring after 28 years. Tom was a communicant of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park, where he taught seventh grade religious education for a number of years. One of his greatest achievements was the formation of the Parish's CYO girls' and boys' recreational basketball program. He was the recipient of many awards for his work with the youth of Clifton Park, notably the UCAN Distinguished Service, Honorary Life Member of the N.Y.S. Parents and Teachers, the Key to the Town of Clifton Park, and was inducted into the Shenendehowa High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2013. He enjoyed watching his sons' athletic events, especially the early years of the Elnora Mohawk Baseball League and was an active player in the Clifton Park Old Timers Softball League for many years. Tom was married to Patricia O'Donnell for 57 years and was a loving father to Thomas F. O'Donnell, Jr., Michael J. (Michelle) O'Donnell, Christopher R. (Carrie) O'Donnell, John J. (Valerie) O'Donnell, Terence M. O'Donnell and the late Patrick James (PJ) O'Donnell; dedicated brother to the late John J. (Margaret) O'Donnell, Anne Marie (John) Costello, Patricia M. Lyons and Frances O'Donnell; Papa to Morgan, Riley, Christopher, Brady, Caitlin and Celia O'Donnell; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his many Trout Lake Club friends. Many thanks for his care to Saratoga Hospital, the Wesley Community and especially Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends may call at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park on Wednesday, January 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 30, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Waterford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Patrick (PJ) O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship at Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 or the PJ O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship at Shenendehowa Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 4390, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Arrangements have been entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home and the family encourages you to visit townleywheelerfh.com to view Tom's Book of Memories and leave condolences.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Donnell

4 Entries

Bryan Dailey

January 29, 2020

Mr. O'Donnell saw a need and created a basketball league for high school aged players. He opened up gyms and provided us with an outlet. He spoke to us about playing the game the right way. My friends and I often speak of our times playing in these games - forty years later. Mr. O'Donnell impacted countless lives by giving his time and talent. I am fortunate to be able to say that Tom was one of the people who inspired me to coach basketball for thirty plus years. My condolences to Mrs. O'Donnell, his children, grandchildren and all of his family.

Paul Matthews

January 28, 2020

To grow up playing sports in Clifton Park in the 70's-80's was to know Tom O'Donnell. I have so many memories from both baseball and basketball involving this dedicated man who created so many opportunities to so many kids. My brothers and I were sharing stories after we heard of Tom's passing and I want you all to know how grateful we are to have known your Dad/Husband.

John Keyser

January 26, 2020

Jody and I extend our condolences to Pat and the rest of the O'Donnell family.

Terence Clare

January 26, 2020

I have a picture in my mind of Tom sitting at our kitchen table with my Dad discussing the day's baseball game that PJ and my brother Brian had just lost. Of course Tom was in his baseball attire; the maroon Elnora t-shirt and the maroon hat with the big E. He gave me my first ever job as an umpire for that league. Years later, every Saturday during basketball season he wouldt open the gym up at the middle school and kids would flock there. Tom would play too every once in a while showing off his running hook shot! He helped sooo many kids.
We talked of St. Bonaventure and Niagara University. Franciscans versus Jesuits he would say, and chide after his Bonnie's beat my Purple Eagles.
An absolute legend during my formative years; a friend, a role model, mentor and confidant. My deepest condolences on his passing to Pat and the children.

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