Obituary of Thomas Edward Donohue

Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a very outgoing person that could strike up a conversation with anyone he knew or didn’t know. He passed away a few days after open-heart surgery while at the hospital, never having come out of sedation from the surgery. Tom was born in Glendale, California to John and Anne Donohue. As a young boy he moved to Portland, Oregon, then moved to Pt. Loma at age 9, and then to his home in North Park where he lived until he was married. He met his wife Donna when he was 12 and she lived a block away from him. Later they became high school sweethearts. He graduated from Hover High School in 1964. He later attended San Diego City College and then went on to San Diego State University. While attending SDSU, he started working part-time at the United States Postal Service, which eventually turned, into a full-time position. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 37 years. He was active with both the local and national American Postal Workers Union. He served locally in many positions including Vice President for seven years. He also served as a part-time National Officer and continued his participation in the retiree chapter until his passing. He retired in 2003. Tom and Donna were married on June 15, 1968 in San Diego. In 1970, they purchased their La Mesa home which they still own today. In September of 1970 their son John was born, followed in September 1974 by Timothy. John married Lori in 2005, and they have two children, Nathan born in 2009 and Nicholas born in 2012. Tom was also involved with the local San Diego chapter of the United States Bowling Congress where he served as a Director. His wife Donna has been an avid bowler in San Diego for 60 years and Tom was always there as her “coach” and biggest supporter. Tom and Donna were able to enjoy almost ten years of retirement together. They purchased an RV when Donna retired and were able to enjoy a few years of traveling including a trip across the United States. Unfortunately Tom had a severe neck problem, which required surgery and they had to get rid of the RV and stop traveling. In his last few years, he enjoyed watching his grandsons’ sporting events, watching his wife bowl, and of course visiting the local casinos.