Father Thomas McDonnell, S.J., former Loyola Blakefield teacher, dies at 88 October 16, 2025By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries A funeral Mass for Jesuit Father Thomas P. McDonnell was offered Oct. 13 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit of the Campion Center in Weston, Mass. Father McDonnell died Oct. 2. He was 88 and a priest for 57 years. Born in Philadelphia, Father McDonnell entered the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, Pa., in 1955. He studied philosophy at Loyola Seminary in Shrub Oak, N.Y., earning a bachelor’s degree in American history. He then taught Latin, history and religion at Loyola Blakefield in Towson before beginning theology studies at Woodstock College in Woodstock, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood there on June 15, 1968. Following ordination, Father McDonnell returned to Loyola Blakefield, where he spent nearly three decades (1969-95) teaching history, Latin and physical education. He also served as coach of the junior varsity football team. Elsewhere, he ministered in Virginia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. more obituaries A life well-coached: Lou Holtz remembered for faith, family and football Father Norvel, first Black superior general for U.S. men’s religious community, dies at 90 Deacon Stretmater, father of 11 who ministered at Howard County parish, dies at 101 Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’ Prolific catechist Paul Thigpen, who mused on extraterrestrial life, dies at 71 Jesuit Father Anthony Berret, distinguished English professor, dies at 86 Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media Print
