Father Thomas McDonnell, S.J., former Loyola Blakefield teacher, dies at 88

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. 

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