Obituary of Thomas H. Donnelly

Thomas H. Donnelly, age 82, of South Plainfield, passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2022. “Tom” was the loving husband of Irene Carey Donnelly, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. 

Tom was born in Jersey City, NJ on July 2, 1939 at Christ Hospital and raised in   Cliffside Park, New Jersey.   He moved to South Plainfield in 1973. He attended Sacred Heart Church since moving to South Plainfield, and was a trustee and usher.

Tom was a Professor (’72-‘04) and Chair (’83-’04) of the Sociology Department at Saint Peter’s University. Tom went to Xavier High School in Manhattan (‘53-’57). He spent 10 years in the Jesuits. He received a B.A. from Fordham University (’62), a M.A. from St. John’s University (’64) and a Ph.D. in Sociology from New York University (’78). 

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Veronica Martin Donnelly and Samuel Joseph Donnelly; by his daughter: Irene Cecilia Donnelly; and by his brothers William J. Donnelly and Samuel J. Donnelly. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Irene Carey Donnelly; his son, Thomas M. Donnelly and his daughter-in-law, Sharon Donnelly; his sister-in-laws: Pat Carey, Ginny Carey, Carolan Carey, Mary Ann Donnelly, and Pat Donnelly; his nieces: Carey Ann Kendzior, Martha Sahyun, Ellen Rahner, Elizabeth Donnelly, Catherine Ackerman, Erina Donnelly-Spiegelman and Margaret Roberts; his nephews Samuel Donnelly, Michael Donnelly, Patrick Donnelly, and Christopher Donnelly.  

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funeral on Thursday February 17, 2022 at 10am for visitation prior to the 11am Funeral Mass at Church of The Sacred Heart Church, South Plainfield, N.J.

Entombment will follow Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, South Plainfield, N.J. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to Social Concerns, c/o Church of The Sacred Heart, 200 Randolph Ave. South Plainfield, N.J. 07080.