Thomas William Donaghey, Jr.

Thomas William Donaghey Jr, age 82, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Benchmark Senior Living on Clapboardtree in Norwood, Massachusetts. Born in Dedham, Massachusetts on November 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Thomas William and Doris Victoria (Johnson) Donaghey. Tom was raised in Dedham and served as an altar boy at Saint Mary's of the Assumption Church.

Tom was a Triple Eagle; a rare and prestigious title bestowed upon those who had received three degrees from the Boston College institutions. First Tom attended Boston College High School, where he played hockey and graduated with the class of 1960. Next, he attended Boston College, earning his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1964. Tom would later attend Boston College's Graduate degree program, receiving his Triple Eagle title when he earned his Mba in 1971. Boston College and the BC community were incredibly important aspects of Tom's life that he would always cherish.

While earning his undergraduate degree, Tom attended a college mixer at the Hotel Bradford in Boston. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lois Jean Molito. The pair were wed in Saint Brigid of Kildare Church in South Boston, Massachusetts on April 30, 1966. Tom and Lois made their married home in Dedham, where they began to raise a family. In January of 1980, the Donaghey family moved to the neighboring town of Walpole, Massachusetts. In the early 2000's, Tom and Lois made the decision to downsize, moving to Royal Crest in Walpole during the spring and summer months, and wintering in their condominium in Naples, Florida.

Tom's entire career was spent with Gillette in Boston. He began in their accounting department in 1964, fresh out of college. Over time, his interests grew, and opportunities allowed him to change his focus within the company. He moved over to distribution and inventory control, where he worked with the computer systems that managed the flow of the inventory. Tom remained a dedicated employee until his well-deserved retirement in 1998.

Tom was a kind, gentle, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Family was the most important part of Tom's life. He was a doting father and a fabulous husband. Tom loved family gatherings and looked forward to holidays with his extended family. He was thrilled to become a grandfather, earning the title of 'Papa' five times in as many years.

Tom participated in many golf tournaments both at Royal Crest in Walpole and at Stonebridge Country Club in Naples, Florida. He earned several championship trophies. Tom shared this passion with his family, golfing with his mother, his children, and his wife. His love for the sport was a major reason for purchasing their home in Royal Crest, as it allowed him to golf every day! Tom also loved to entertain, especially down in Florida, as he loved to surround himself with his friends and family. A proud Triple Eagle, Tom remained active in his BC community and was a season ticket holder to BC Football games for well over twenty years. He and Lois enjoyed tailgating and cheering on the Eagles every Saturday together.

Tom also spent a lot of his free time giving back to his community. As a young man, he was a member of the Dedham Chapter of the JayCees, a group of young professionals who worked to improve and uplift their town. Inspired by his love for his sister Anne Marie, Tom also worked tirelessly to enhance and elevate the South Shore Chapter of the Special Olympics. He made countless phone calls to bolster support and coordinate events, allowing it to grow into the organization that it is today, and ensuring that every individual who wanted to participate had the opportunity to. Wanting to mirror the Olympics, Tom introduced a torch run, enhancing the experience for those participating. Tom also served as the treasurer for the board of Royal Crest for more than a decade and oversaw men's golf within the community. He also began a scholarship fund, collecting donations after rounds every Wednesday to be awarded to a Walpole High School student at the end of each year.

Beloved husband of Lois Jean (Molito) Donaghey

Loving father of Stacey J. Kelley of Medway and Michael T. Donaghey and his wife Amy of Foxboro

Cherished grandfather of Thomas Kelley, Sarah Kelley, Abigail Kelley, Brendan Donaghey, and Christopher Donaghey

Brother of Trina E. Raether and her husband Russell (Bud) of Leesburg, Florida, David J. Donaghey and his wife Linda of Plymouth, and the late Anne Marie Donaghey

Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended relatives

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom's visitation on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to the Massachusetts Special Olympics at 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 or by visiting https://www.specialolympicsma.org/ways-to-give/donate#Ways