Contributions to the tribute of Thomas L. Donnelly II

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In Memory of

Thomas L. Donnelly II

1935 - 2020

Donna Lee Wright lit a candle

Saturday, January 9, 2021

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I have many wonderful memories of “Uncle Tom.” When I was very young, we lived in Rochester and our families gathered frequently. I believe I was 7 when Sean was born and almost 9 when Alexis came along. Tom was such a nurturing “natural” father. I remember when Sean was very young and used his crayons to draw on the wall. I was worried he would get in trouble… No. Tom (and Rose) proudly spoke to Sean’s creativity and intelligence, and scrubbed the wall. (Alexis was just a baby when my family moved to California.) I attended the University of Rochester in 1977-78. Living in the dorm was new and I was homesick. Uncle Tom used to pick me up on Sundays to spend time with their family. He took me shopping and bought me my first calculator – a Texas Instruments Scientific calculator to be specific. It carried me through freshman chemistry and I used it for decades. (In High School I used slide rules and Trig tables…) On those Sundays, Tom (and Rose) made me feel like I was part of their family. I saw the kids involved in various hobbies – photography and robotics for Sean and horseback riding and piano for Alexis. The house was full of fun, kindness, and tranquility. And great food! We always had a nice “Sunday dinner” before Uncle Tom returned me to the dorm. And there was a large bag of goodies to take along. I frequently had company upon my return; the girls in my dorm used to stop by on Sunday evenings for a snack. There were always comments on how “lucky” I was to have such a cool Uncle. And I was! Uncle Tom was influential in my life. He was a wonderful model: a balanced blend of kindness, generosity, patience, creativity, and intelligence. I was very “lucky” to have him for an Uncle. Everyone who knew him was “lucky.” May he rest in peace…

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Fred Goodnow lit a candle

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

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Due to time and distance I never really got to know Tom until well into our adult lives, but that was resolved over the past several years thankfully. We got together when we could, and shared telephone conversations were always upbeat and positive. Toms daughter Alexis describes her dad as a "spiritual warrior" and a "gentle soul" and my wife Nancy and I share that word picture painted by Alexis as well. In addition, Tom was simply brilliant and he was as stoic, gentle and caring as he was brilliant. Our hearts go out especially to his sister Ginny, as we fully understand the unique bond between them due to the unique circumstances of their early lives growing up and the loss of their father. Our condolences also go out to Sean and to Alexis. One can easily sense he was as wonderfully unique a father to you growing up as he was a caring human being to many others whom he came to know during his lifetime. REST IN PEACE TOM

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Kay Joslyn lit a candle

Monday, January 4, 2021

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Hello, especially to Ginny. I was so sorry to read Tom's notice in the paper. It was a very special tribute to him. I have nice memories of the farm, too. Tom was much like your Mom--gentle, patient, kind and so dependable. I know you and he had such a special relationship. When you feel up to it, please give me a call. Somehow we have lost touch. With love, Kay Joslyn

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David Craig lit a candle

Monday, January 4, 2021

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I worked with Tom at Xerox. What a nice man. I always enjoyed discussing technical problems with Tom. He was an outstanding xerographer who taught me a few things. We also had some good laughs as he had a good sense of humor. It brings a smile to my face to think back on my days working with Tom. David Craig Xerox

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Omelan and Daria Murij lit a candle

Monday, January 4, 2021

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Dear Grieving Family. We are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. We pray that God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your life. Our sincere condolences. May the soul of the dearly departed Tom rest in peace, may our prayers help guide him on his journey to our Creator. Daria and Omelan Murij

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Alexis Murij lit a candle

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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To My Dad, The Spiritual Warrior and my Beloved Father, Dad, you are the kindest and most gentle soul to walk upon this Earth. You cared deeply for all life and held a reverence for the Tiny Creatures, Trees and Plants. You were a gardener of all things in need of nurture. You exuded positive energy and brought peace and calm to wherever you may be. You were our rhyme and reason throughout whatever may come our way. It is with a sad bittersweet that I part with you , Dad, in your physical form. I know that your Energy, Spirit and Soul walk in a peaceful place of unbound freedom. Your physical absence leaves me with a dark emptiness. However, I know that you are the brilliant and powerful light, cutting through the sadness and darkness, to comfort and assure, " everything will be ok ". We will meet again. I see you Dad, I feel you in everything everywhere. There are no more goodbyes because you are with me always. Dad, you gentle soul, you are so greatly missed. I cannot bear your absence but will endure with the promise and knowledge of meeting you again. I see you, I feel you and I love you infinitely, through all time and space. Your Loving and Adoring Daughter, Alexis

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Donna Lee Wright Posted Jan 9, 2021 at 10:58 AM

This is truly beautiful Alexis. I wish I had some words of comfort for you... I hope that time replaces your pain with fond memories.

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Sean Donnelly uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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Sean Donnelly uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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Sean Donnelly Posted Jan 3, 2021 at 9:03 PM

Tom and sister Ginny in 1947 at the farm.

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Ginny Donnelly Belba lit a candle

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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I have not been able to say a farewell to my dear brother, Tom, as yet; I am hoping that this opportunity may help me face the realization that our regular phone conversations that were so important to us both, are now treasured memories. Tom has always been there for me during my entire life, with his love, kind words, deeds, and his everlasting positive attitude. Look Up - Not Down....Look Forward - Not Backward... Having lost our father at such a young age, he was 3, I was 1, we were bonded to each other in so many ways, always with concern for the other. We never had a place or time for a disagreement or fight that one would expect to pop up in all those growing up years. It was all about helping each other - doing the extra things to make life easier for the other. Whether is was him helping me with geometry homework , and me baking a chocolate cake for him in return...that was our life together. This is why Tom will always be a part of me - . In my heart, in my thoughts, and together with my daily prayers. All those memories of the times growing up together on the farm, and yes, all the many, many phone conversations during the past 5 years. We always found so much to talk about present, past, and even future. I will miss you Tom in in the days ahead, but I cannot say farewell. A part of me went with you, and a part of you stayed with me. Rest in peace dear Brother....I will always love you.... Ginny Donnelly Belba

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Rob Halpin uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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