Thomas Donnelly Obituary

Thomas Henry Donnelly

Born: April 20, 1928; in Endicott, NY

Died: April 28, 2018; in Maywood, IL

Thomas Henry Donnelly, 90, passed away at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois on April 28, 2018 after a sudden illness. He was born on April 20, 1928 in Endicott, New York. He was the son of Paul John and Dorcas Alida (Gardiner) Donnelly.

Dr. Donnelly received his B.S. in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1950 and his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1955. He worked for Swift & Co. as manager, physical chemistry, research and development from 1965 to 1972; manager, gelatin and stabilizers from 1967 to 1972; general manager, science and services at Oakbrook, Illinois from 1972 to 1978; and manager, applied chemistry from 1978 to 1979. He later worked at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois as a visiting professor of chemistry from 1979 to 1984; a lecturer in chemistry from 1984 to 1987; an assistant professor of chemistry from 1991 to 1994; and a senior professor in 1994. He worked at Mundelein College as an assistant professor and department chairman from 1987 to 1991. He served as a member of a food enzymology delegation to China People to People in 1985. He obtained various patents in his field.

Dr. Donnelly served as a lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve from 1950 to 1970. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Institute of Food Technologists, and the American Chemical Society, where he served as chairman and held other offices in the Chicago section. He received a merit award from the Chicago Association of Technology Societies in 1984.

Dr. Donnelly was very active at St. John of the Cross parish, Western Springs, Illinois, which he was involved in founding. He served as a lector, commentator and cantor there. He was a member of the parish choir and of the Resurrection Choir. He also was a member of the Tower Chorale. He served as a Democratic precinct captain and as an election judge for lengthy periods. He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan.

Surviving are his wife, Jean Marilyn (Saunders) Donnelly, who were married on May 14, 1955; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Mary Kathleen Donnelly and William Wagner, Susan Jean (Donnelly) Willenborg and Daniel Willenborg, and Sarah Elizabeth (Donnelly) Dulay and Nicolas Dulay; one son and one daughter-in-law, James Paul Donnelly and Paige (Wechsler) Donnelly; four grandchildren, Alida Donnelly, Samuel Wagner, Meghan Donnelly and Erin Wagner; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, James and Mary Donnelly, and Michael and Rose Donnelly; one sister and one brother-in-law, Jeanette (Donnelly) Anderson and Roy Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, May (Donnelly) Weitze; one brother, John Donnelly; and one sister-in-law, Joan Donnelly.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John of the Cross parish in Western Springs, Illinois at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 2 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services or the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 708-352-6500.