- December 9, 2024
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With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” Joseph Donaghy Sr. of Flagler Beach, Florida, who left us peacefully in his sleep on November 20, 2024. He lived a long eventful life filled with 95 years of experiences and was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army.
Tom began his life journey on October 6, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the son of the late Anna Marie (O’Dell) Donaghy and James Joseph Donaghy. He married the love of his life, Irene “Renee” Fleming in Philadelphia. Tom was a Korean War veteran in the U.S. Army, and during his service he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division (Medic) and 2nd Infantry Division (Rifleman). He earned the Korean Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Medic and Combat Infantry Badges. Few veterans hold both Combat Medic and Combat Infantry Badges.
Tom worked at Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant in Delta, Pennsylvania for over 30 years. After retiring from PECO, he did consultation work before fully retiring and moved to Flagler Beach, FL with his devoted wife Renee, who survives him.
Tom loved traveling, boating, and socializing, but his favorite activity was spending time with Renee. Their devotion to each other was apparent to all who knew them and it was very uncommon to see one without the other; they were inseparable. During their 67 years of marriage, they traveled the world, with very few places that they did not visit. Their favorites were Hawaii, Australia, and their ancestral home of Ireland. Boating was another pastime they enjoyed, and they’re both charter members of the Flagler Beach Yacht Club.
Tom is survived by four children, Thomas Donaghy Jr of Flagler Beach, FL; Kathleen Donaghy of Palm Coast, FL, Sharon Kochenour of Palm Coast, FL; and Michael (Cinda) Donaghy of York, PA. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Justin, Tiffany, Caitlin, Brendan, Dylan (Danette), Daniel, Devin; 3 great-grandchildren: Riley, Reef, Finnegan; sister Joanne, sister-in-law Carmella, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Tom was pre-deceased by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. He will be forever missed.
A Mass will be held December 5 at 10 AM at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Ave, Flagler Beach. Tom will be laid to rest with full military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, Mims. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend an Irish Celebration of Tom’s life on December 6 at Flagler Woman’s Club,1524 S. Central Ave, Flagler Beach, from 1 PM to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Funeral arrangements by Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home. Please visit Veterans Legacy Memorial for additional information on Tom's wonderful life!