1941-2026
Thomas Joseph (Tom) Donahue, Jefferson Township, PA died June 12, 2026. He was born on December 18, 1941, to Thomas and Irene (Tierney) Donahue Eddleman. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Katherine, his brother John, his son Dr. Thomas, his grandson Peter Mariotti, his first wife, Mary Therese (Pamelia) Donahue, the mother of his children, and later by his wife, Dr. Patricia (Montella) Donahue.
He is survived by his children: Marie and her husband Paul Bullock, Dorothy Mariotti and her husband Paul, Christopher and his partner Dawn Hinkley, Rosalie Matthews and her husband Dave, and Rena Wilson and her husband Ryan, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was born and raised in West Scranton and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School where he served as captain of the basketball team during his senior year. He earned his B.S. from the University of Scranton after attending part-time over thirteen years while working full-time. His professional career began as a teacher/varsity basketball coach at St, Patrick’s/West Scranton Central Catholic High School. He taught and coached varsity basketball at Randolph High School, Randolph, NJ. He also taught and coached varsity basketball at Scranton Technical High School and taught Grammar and Composition at Lackawanna Junior College.
Entrepreneurially motivated, he created the National Reading Institute and wrote unique procedures for a curriculum to teach rapid reading and study skills to students and adults throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
A self-educated computer programmer, Tom went on to become a software consultant in Washington DC. He was assigned to the White House as technical director through the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations. During his tenure at the White House, he managed computer systems and wrote software for the Office of Management and Budget, the White House Library, the Vice President’s Domestic Policy Office, the Presidential Personnel Office, the United States Trade Representative and the Executive Office of the President. He received numerous awards and commendations from White House administrators in recognition of his service to these three presidents. After 15 years of service at the White House, Tom joined Timebridge Technologies as Vice-President of Technical Service, driving business growth to the point where it was purchased by Dimension Data. He then became a founding partner and vice-president of Clear Carbon, Inc., which was subsequently sold to Deloitte.
Tom was a devoted sports fan, especially when it came to baseball and basketball, with the New York Yankees always holding a special place in his heart. Some of his happiest moments were spent attending games each year with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
He also found immense joy in cheering on his grandchildren. Whether watching his granddaughters compete in mock trial or gymnastics, he was their biggest supporter, often beaming with pride and declaring, “That was a 10!” Tom had a remarkable way of making each grandchild feel seen and heard, giving them his full attention and taking a genuine interest in their passions and accomplishments.
An avid sports card collector, Tom shared his love of the hobby with his grandson, creating a special bond over a passion they both enjoyed. Those moments together, along with the countless memories he created with his family, will be treasured forever. His love, encouragement, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed.
The family will hold a private burial at Cathedral Cemetery with arrangements by Donahue Funeral Home, 303 South Main Ave., Scranton, PA 18504-2546 (scrantonfuneralservices.com).
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