Thomas F. Donoghue Jr.

Thomas Francis Donoghue, 84, of Worcester (formerly of Rutland) passed away Friday, March 24th, at St. Vincent’s Hospital after an illness. With him was his family, who loved and admired him, and will miss him deeply.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Durkin) of Worcester (formerly of Rutland). He also leaves his daughter, Margaret M. Donoghue-Eddy, her husband, William J. Eddy, their children Brian and Brendan Eddy, all of Worcester; a son, Daniel T. Donoghue, his wife, Susan Donoghue, and their children Connor and Caleigh Rose Donoghue, all of Worcester; and is predeceased by his beloved son, Stephen Michael Donoghue of Rutland. Tom also leaves his brother Michael J. Donoghue, and his wife Maureen of Worcester, as well as twenty-three nieces and nephews that he adored. Tom is also predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Coffey) Donoghue, as well as his sisters, Mary, Catherine and Margaret.

Tom was born in Worcester. He attended St. Peter’s High School and graduated from the New England School of Accounting. Tom was a veteran, proudly serving in the United States Air Force. Professionally, Tom was a Store Manager for Sears Roebuck and Co. for many years in Vermont and New York before returning to Rutland and spending many years working as an Investigator with the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Investigation.

Tom was a man of deep catholic faith who devoted enormous amounts of time and energy as a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Rutland. During his tenure at St. Patrick’s, Tom served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Parish Council and as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Committee to assist parishioners in need. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council # 16001.
As a 40 year resident of Rutland, Tom was active in town, serving as a former President of the Rutland Little League. Tom and his wife Kay were also longtime volunteers at the Rutland Senior Center, delivering meals through their Meals on Wheels Program. Finally, as a proud Nancy Drive resident, Tom enjoyed the friendship of his neighbors and relished his unofficial status in later years as the “grandfather of the neighborhood.” In recent years, Tom and Kay lived at the Willows of Worcester and Tatnuck Park of Worcester Assisted Living.

Aside from faith, Tom’s other passion in life was family. He was a devoted husband, enjoying a 59 year loving marriage with his wife Kay. He loved and took great pride in his three children Margaret, Daniel and Stephen. He was also very proud of his brother’s commitment to public service and was always ready to help Michael in his elections as City Councilor and County Treasurer. Perhaps the family title Tom most enjoyed was “Papa” as a doting and loving grandfather to Brian, Brendan, Connor and Caleigh Rose.

A funeral service for Tom will be held on Wednesday, March 29th, 10:00 AM, at St. Patrick’s Parish, 290 Main Street, Rutland. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 28th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any donations be made to the St. Patrick’s Parish to assist the Rutland Food Pantry, 258 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.