Obituary of Thomas Joseph O'Donnell

O'DONNELL, Thomas Joseph, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2016. He was the oldest son of the five children of Francis and Lillian O'Donnell. Tom was born in Detroit, May 26, 1934. He attended Catholic schools in Kalamazoo. MI and Windsor, Ontario. He received his BS from Michigan State University where he was known as one of the top ten men on campus from his leadership of the Water Carnival. His Masters Degree in Finance was from Georgetown University. Out of college, Tom worked for Bud Wheel Company in Gary, Indiana. He applied to the Foreign Service in 1960. It took two years and a long debate with his father, who objected to big government. Tom said, "I don't consider myself an idealist, intellectual or do gooder, but I do want some stimulation intellectually out of my job. To me, a job should be more than just the dividing line between me and hunger. The education you've given me has given me confidence that I will do alright whatever I try." His dad wound up talking about "My son the Ambassador," though Tom chose to retire rather than accept that title in Columbia in 1987. Tom was posted in Uruguay, Berlin, Nicaragua, and Brazil where he served as Charge de Affair. He helped Nicaragua recover from their devastating earthquake and he was the ranking diplomat sent into Samosa's bunker to urge him to leave the country. He assisted in the change of government there as Ambassador Pezzullo's deputy. Tom retired to Tucson, AZ in 1990 to reunite with his mother and sisters. Tom is survived by his siblings, Carol Knych (Bob), Ellen O'Donnell and Pat O'Donnell; his sister, Kate Cloud preceded him in death. He is survived by 11 nieces and nephews and two great-nieces. A Memorial Mass will be held at St Odilias on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. and a reception will be held at his home from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.