Thomas Donegan Obituary

I apologize for the lateness. I grew up with Tom on the south Side of Chicago. We went to the dame grammar school, St Theodore's. Tom lived at 65th and Marshfield, and we lived at 65th and Paulina. My first job was delivering the Southtown Economist, twice a week. Tom got me that job. In fact every job I ever had as a kid, Tom got me. Tom was an unbelievable go-getter as a kid and a great friend who always seemed to look out for those younger than him. I regret that I was not able to attend his wake and funeral, but I will surely and fondly remember Tom. He was a wonderful person.

My condolences to the Donegan family.

Mr. Donegan was my boss from the summer before fifth grade until I was a senior in high school. Whether it was running the scoreboard, working in the concessions room, manning the chains, refereeing flag football, or setting up before and taking down after flea markets, the man kept me busy. I was always working. And so was he. No one put in more time to that parish (or, in a wider way, youth sports in general) than Mr. Donegan. He organized and ran leagues and tournaments and helped turn a cold, dull former church into what was undoubtedly the mecca of grammar school sports on the Southwest Side. Mr. Donegan had that place rocking, and though he raised plenty of money for St. Bede teams, his real gift was that of time--both to children and adults. Growing up, St. Bede's had the feeling of a small town, and I can't help thinking that without Mr. Donegan's success in creating a sense of community, it would have been less Bedford Falls and more Pottersville. The man had a knack for getting people involved, and he never stopped working. Did I mention that he coached me in several sports, too? Or that he ran the parish's St. Vincent DePaul program? That he became the go-to guy in the parish whenever someone was struggling or needed a hand? And that he served as a father-figure to me while I was growing up? Chances are that I'll never meet someone as other-directed as Mr. Donegan again.

The Venerable Bede seems like a fine fellow, but the real patron saint of that parish is Tom Donegan.

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Tom will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 27 MAY, 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

With deepest sympathy and condolences to the Donegan family for the loss of your beloved Thomas. May God embrace you all with his comfort, strength, and peace. - Psalm 29:11

My condolences to family and friends. Take time to grieve and celebrate a life well-lived. The loss of a loved one is truly difficult no matter how long we have them with us, but remember Almighty God promises to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18)

My condolences to family and friends. Take time to grieve and celebrate a life well-lived. The loss of a loved one is truly difficult no matter how long we have them with us, but remember Almighty God promises to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18)

TOM,

I am sending my condolences to you and
your family. My thoughts and prayers
are with you and your loved ones.
Sincerely Marilyn Meyer

Please accept my condolences. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of your loved one. May the God of peace comfort you. Isaiah 61:1,2

Winnie and family my deepest condolences in the loss of your husband and father. .. You will be in my prayers. Love Jan Sarno