Thomas M. O'Donnell

O'Donnell, Thomas M., 92, of Chicago and long-time resident of Niles. Thomas was the beloved husband of Adonai (“Ado”) for 57 years, loving father of Theresa (Mark) Anderson, Thomas (Jane), Loretta, Patricia (Frank) Janiga, the late infant Gerard, Jerome, and Kevin (Cynthia). Proud grandfather of Katherine (Vrej), John, Shawn, Kelly (Steven), Michael (Deeann), Gwendolyn, Matthew (Christina), Brian, Catherine, Claire and Colleen. Fond step-grandfather to Thomas (Kristin), Brian (Jenn), and Michael. Loving great-grandfather of Ethan, Wyatt, Gabriella, Adrianna, Alec, Ian, Addyson and Delaney.

Dear brother of Mary, John, James, Rose (John) Little, Margaret (Russell) Dunn and Joseph (Elaine) O'Donnell, survived only by Rose and Margaret. 

Fond brother-in-law of Marguerite “Margie” (David) Brown, Loretta "Lupe" (Thomas) Brown, Edmond "Chucky" (Irene) Michel and Gerard Michel, all of whom predeceased him. 

Devoted son of the late Patrick and Mary O’Donnell of Carna and Rosmuc, Co. Galway, Ireland; special nephew of Anna (Coleman) Lee, Delia (Thomas) Keegan and fond uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. 

Tom proudly served his country for almost 10 years as a U.S. Army Reservist in Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence. Kept stateside, his unit was filled with bright and fascinating soldiers. Tom’s business career included working at GAF, Aldens and Roberts & Porter. After the age of 57 and until he was 79, Tom worked with Ado as a team running A.M., Inc., their accounting and tax services business. 

Tom was an enthusiastic and faithful fan in cheering on the White Sox, Chicago Bears and Notre Dame. Active in St. John Brebeuf Parish, Tom was a Lector (reader) at Mass for some 50 years and was particularly proud to be a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and held the position of Grand Knight. Tom enjoyed photography and travel, too. Tom and Ado took many trips to Ado’s hometown of New Orleans and he was thrilled to obtain his Irish passport before traveling to Ireland. In his twilight years he resided at Resurrection Retirement Community where he developed many good friends, particularly those in his dining circle. Tom’s powers of recall were profound and he had the ability to remember details accurately spanning nine decades which delighted family and friends alike.

Above all, Tom had unshakable faith and was a humble, kind and devoted man to family and friends. He was much admired and will be missed by many.

Memorials may be posted online and donations to The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (chicagolighthouse.org) or the Irish American Heritage Center (irish-american.org), would be appreciated.

Due to health concerns, we regret that services must be private and limited to immediate family by invitation only.  A live stream can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/cooneyfuneralhome A grander celebration of Tom’s life will be planned. Interment All Saints Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Cooney Funeral Home.For info: 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com

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