Thomas O'Donnell

Thomas O'Donnell, 85, of Eltingville, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Staten Island University Hospital South. Born in 1931, Thomas was a lifelong Staten Islander who was the devoted son of the late Thomas and Margaret O'Donnell. Graduating from St Peters Elementary School 1945 and Curtis High School 1949, he joined the US Army's 47th Infantry at Camp Rutgers from 1952-1953 and 3rd Infantry Division from 1953-1955. Leaving the army, he returned to his schooling at Wagner College in 1958 with a BA in History, and Nationally Recognized Academic Honors in German and History. Thomas won a full academic scholarship to Fordham University 1958-1960 where he obtained a Masters of Social Work. He continued his post-graduate studies at Rutgers University. Over an impressive career, Thomas held many titles including Social Worker for Catholic Charities Family Services from 1960-1968. Director of Social Services Catholic Guardian Society 1968-1974. Director of Special Services Mission of the Immaculate Virgin 1974-1991. Deputy Executive Director 1991-1992. Post retirement for MIV served as a specialist for Jewish Assoc. for Services for the Aged from 1992-2000. Thomas had many other accomplishments including Golden Gloves amateur boxer in 1948. He also played high school baseball for Curtis and continued playing for the Tompkinsville Blue Jays. Thomas was also an Avid Golfer and award-winning local artist, and he spent his free time enjoying his love of reading and traveling. He was the beloved husband of Judith T. O'Donnell. Judith and Thomas were married for 54 years. He was the loving father of Mandy O'Donnell, Mathew O'Donnell, and Terry O'Donnell. Dear brother of Peggy Moore and the late Sr. Rosemary O'Donnell; Cherished grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday December 31, 2016, at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Arrangements include private cremation. A gathering of family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2016, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. In Lieu of flowers Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated

Thomas O'Donnell

January 29, 1931 - December 28, 2016