"My deepest condolences to Jan and Tom?s family. Our friendship started in Gallup, NM and grew as we had many shared interests. Tom had keys to the high school racquetball court, and we would slip in at night where he would dominate me almost always. Tom loved the outdoors, and we would frequently backpack to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Some of the trips wound up in Vegas where we would sip Jack Daniels at the bar and talk for hours. He was a true wordsmith and would use his command of the English language to paint interesting stories and conversation. This is a sad time, and Tom will be deeply missed and never forgotten. -Art Morganti, Albuquerque NM"
In loving memory of
Thomas Raymond O'Donnell
May 9, 1950 - March 23, 2021
On March 23, 2021, after a life well lived, and a life well loved, Thomas Raymond O'Donnell passed away. He died peacefully at home in the company of his family. He is survived by his wife Janice Howayeck O'Donnell, his step-children Julie Maraziti, Jennifer Maraziti and her partner Geremy Freifeld, and his beloved grandsons, Anthony Beltre, Roc Freifeld, and Luke Freifeld. He was the son of the late Marion Crowell ODonnell and Thomas Raymond O'Donnell, Jr. He was pre-deceased by his brother in law and life-long friend, Raymond Smedberg. He will be missed dearly by his siblings, Kathleen Smedberg, Lawrence O'Donnell (Andrea), Ann O'Donnell, Mark O'Donnell, and his many nieces and nephews.
Tom was a graduate of De la Salle Academy and Rhode Island College. He spent many years teaching English and Social Studies in Gallup, New Mexico before heading back home to teach English and Literary Development at the Gaudet Middle School in Middletown, RI. He loved teaching and he loved his students. Upon retiring, Tom lived the remainder of his life to the fullest. He was an avid reader and an award winning gardener. On most days, you would find him cycling around the Ocean Drive in the early morning hours. He loved where he lived and never failed to enjoy the beauty of Newport. His passion for travel and adventure brought him to places all over the world. As he would say, he had a good ride.
Our profound gratitude is owed to Dr. David Cunningham, the oncology nurses at Newport Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice staff, who all have shown the utmost compassion and dedication in caring for Tom.
Due to the pandemic all services will be private. Donations in his memory can be made to Three Angels Fund. http://www.threeangelsfund.com/
Tributes
"ON BEHALF OF THE ATLANTIC STREET MURPHYS, INCLUDING Sr. SHEILA, CONDOLENCES KATLEEN AND ALL THE O'DONNELLS ON THE DEATH OF THOMAS. HE MADE THE TRIP TO MEET ST PETER AT AN EARLY AGE. MAY GOD HOLD TOM AND ALL THE FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"Ann, Kathleen, Larry & Mark and Tom's wife and family, sending my sincere condolences in the loss of your brother Tom. One memory that comes to mind is Tom playing the drums to wipeout all hours of the day. May he be at Peace. So sorry for your loss. Cathy (Ney) Kane"
"Richard and I smile and laugh a little when we compare our experiences and conversations with Tom. We enjoyed him so much and really loved him very much. I especially admired his love and care for his grandchildren. "
"My sincere condolences to Tom\'s family. I first met Tom through track - I ran for RHS and he ran for DLS. Tom was also one of my lifeguard buddies from 1st Beach. I enjoyed hanging out and playing tennis with him in Newport. I also got to do the same in San Diego. I still have the RI State Flag he brought me which he reputedly borrowed from a RI State Police barracks in South County. I had a lot of good times with Tom. Rest in peace my friend. Chris Dunn"
"Ann, my condolences on the loss of your brother."
"Jan and family, we are so sorry to hear of Toms passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I?m so sorry for the loss of this great man. He was my English teacher in 8th grade. Told us he would teach us words that we would always use. He was right I?m 37 and I still use those vocabulary words. He was a great teacher! Rest easy Mr. O?Donnell "
"I?m so sorry for the loss of this great man. He was my English teacher in 8th grade. Told us he would teach us words that we would always use. He was right I?m 37 and I still use those vocabulary words. He was a great teacher! Rest easy Mr. O?Donnell "
"Sorry to hear about Tom. I have fond memories of running track and cross country with him at DLS. He was a good runner and a good guy and a character too. Condolences, John Murphy "