Obituary of Thomas James McDonald, Sr.
Thomas James McDonald, Sr., 88, of Belvidere, NJ, passed away on February 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was a loving husband to the late Marie T. McDonald, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2014. He was a resident of the Brookfield Community in Belvidere, relocating there in 2015 after living in Bedminster for thirty years. Previously, he and his wife raised their family in Parsippany.
Thomas was born in Wilkes Barre, PA to Michael and Anna (nee Byron) McDonald, where he grew up and attended Kings College. He was an avid family photographer, huge fan of Notre Dame football and always enjoyed being the family handyman and mechanic. He could fix anything. He also loved to sing whenever and wherever he got the chance. Professionally, Thomas had over 40 years of insurance industry experience, most recently working in NYC and then Princeton before retiring as VP of American ReInsurance Claims Consulting in 2000.
Beyond his hobbies and professional accomplishments, he was the strongest family man. A wise and loving husband, father and grandfather, exuding this with his quiet, thoughtful acts and many words of advice. He was faithful, selfless and generous beyond imagination.
He was a faithful communicant of St. Joseph’s Church and previously St. Brigid’s/St. Elizabeth’s.
In addition to his beloved wife Marie, Thomas is predeceased by his brother James McDonald, sisters Marie Carr and Kathleen Kilgallen. He is survived by his sons, Thomas McDonald, Jr. (Cindy) of Florham Park, Michael McDonald (Barbara) of Cherry Hill and daughters, Maria Mastrobattista (Albert) of Clinton, and Maribeth Palmer (Donald) of Belvidere.
His grandchildren, Meghan (James), Kaitlin, TJ (Jen), Brittany (Mike), Morgan, John Paul (Valerie), Julie (Jordan), Andrew, Emily, Sean, Caroline and Elizabeth as well as his great grandchildren, Claire, James, Jack, Alana, Tommy, Benjamin, Chase and Mason will miss him dearly.
Private services are to be held for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring for friends and family to remember and celebrate Thomas. Donations in Thomas’ memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.
