Thomas R. Donahue

Thomas R. Donahue - father, grandfather, and friend - passed away in his sleep on May 9th, 2023 at the age of 94. He was with his family the last days before his passing.   

Tom was born May 8th, 1929 in Altoona, PA.  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 US Army and served honorably as a member military police corps.  While playing professional sports he started a 70 year career as a real estate appraiser starting Commonwealth Appraisers.  

Tom raised three children and his greatest joy was being with them.   He was always there for them.  Helping them with anything - prepare 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 children 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, stubborn - a 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, served with in leadership roles in 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.  Great grand-children Brycen and Aubree Hissong. 

He is preceded in his passing 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.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Fr. Allan Wolfe officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA. Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., Chambersburg has been entrusted with his care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kelsocorneliusfh.com. 

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