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Thomas R. Donahue, father, grandfather and friend, passed away in his sleep at the age of 94. He was with his family the last days before his passing.
Tom was born in Altoona. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore and Wake Forest University, where he was an All American in football. He played professional football for the Chicago Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. During his professional football career, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably as a member of the Military Police Corps. While playing professional sports, he started a 70-year career as a real estate appraiser, starting with Commonwealth Appraisers.
Tom raised three children, and his greatest joy was being with them. He was always there for them, helping them with anything -- preparing for job interviews, buying a house, cheering them on at sporting events and always able to help with their walk through life.
Being a grandpa was a joy to Pappy and allowed him to spend time with his grand/great-grandchildren and his children. He filled each with a lifetime of memories and an incredible example. Tom remained who he was until a few weeks before his passing: an incredible man who was nice, witty, smart, competitive and stubborn, in addition to the joyful, loving man who everybody loved being around.
He was an active member of the community until his 80s. He coached many youth teams, the Chambersburg Cardinals and served in leadership roles at the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and several others. Of course, every fall, up until the last few years, Tom was seen at Wake Forest Football games. He bled black and gold.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Trish Howser and Carol Donahue; and son, LTG Chris Donahue; his daughter-in-law, Devon Donahue; son-in-law, Michael Howser; his grandchildren: Ty (Kristi) Hissong, Gareth Hissong, Morgan (Noah) Landi, Logan (Amanda) Howser, Polina Donahue, Alanna Donahue, Amir Donahue, Zachary Donahue, Haley Donahue and Joseph Donahue; and great-grandchildren, Brycen and Aubree Hissong.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Donahue; and his sister, Margaret Lunghofer.
His family wishes to extend their thanks to the dedicated staff of Homewood Retirement Community in Hanover, Pa.
In his memory, donations can be made to the Homewood Foundation Benevolent Fund, 16107 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, MD 21795.
Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass Monday, May 15, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Father Allan Wolfe officiating.
Interment will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
Arrangements are by Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., Chambersburg.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.kelsocorneliusfh.com.