Dear Emily,
I am  so sorry to learn of Tommy’s passing last August.  I lost my husband a few years ago, so I know what you are going through.  Although Tommy & I were first cousins, when we  were kids, he was like the big brother I never had.  He always made us laugh & have fun.  Our family would travel from Iowa to visit Auntie Barbara & Uncle Mondo, Tommy & Kevin ( Michael wasn’t born then) when they lived in Charlestown,  RI.  I remember when Auntie Barbara called Mom when Tommy had his surfing accident.  Mom was crying and trying to console her sister on her son’s accident.  A few years later we moved to Daytona Beach, Florida and Tommy came to visit us.  Our Grammie Smith & Uncle Tom were still in Miami then, but came up to see him.  Tommy taught us kids how to surf!  He was a good teacher & very patient with us.   I remember when he went into to Peace Corps and traveled to Togo, Africa.  Mom & Auntie Barbara were on the phone with each other every time there was a letter from Tommy!   What an adventure he had over there.   I remember when the two of you came to visit Mom & Dad, his Aunt Ann & Uncle John.  We lived in Jacksonville, Florida.   You two were deciding on whether or not to move to Florida.  Although we did not keep in touch over the years, my heart is with you Emily and I am very sad that Tommy is gone.  I must say though, he’s definitely with good company up in Heaven with Auntie Barbara, Uncle Mondo, Grammie Smith, Uncle Tom, Ann & John Knowles, our brother, Mike Knowles & even Tommy’s brother, Kevin Donovan.   From the entire Knowles Family,  Our sincerest condolences Emily.  
-Karen Knowles Lufkin

To My Beloved

MAY THE ROAD rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

All my love, Emily

PS I'll be toasting with the Jameson's soon ❤️

I am so sorry to hear that Tom has passed.  I never saw him again after our last time at the VA Cemetary for his mom's funeral.  He put his arm around me and we walked through the quiet paths of the cemetery  where both my dad and his mom then rested.  He alway had a way of bringing comfort when it was needed.  I will never forget when he and Kevin and their mom first came to Charlestown Beach to live with their grandmother from the big city.  we had heard rumors that Kevin had been in trouble (something about a desk and some matches) but not Tom.  That first meeting brought he and kevin over to our back yard where tommy caught a bumble bee with his bare hands then let him go.  That was it for me.. i was convinced Tom had magic powers.  I guess he really did, overcoming the great disadvantages that life threw at him.  we spent alot of time with him in the hospital and will always keep him in our hearts as one of our own.  His humor and love of life were with his true gift.  Love forever Tommy.  Patty Curry Almeida and on behalf of Steve and Jimmy too

Hey Emily, Mark Dodson from our Barnett Bank days. I’m so sorry to hear about Tom. Of course, I remember him so well. I’ll be praying for you as I know you are heartbroken. Y’all had so many great memories! 

Call me so we can catchup. 404-308-8809. 

Praying!

Mark

I am remembering Tommy from our years at Chariho. Keeping his family and all who loved him in my prayers.  
Darlene (McCall) Kennedy

I’d like to say that heaven gained another angel but I think we all know how much trouble those pearly gates are in for reuniting the Donovan brothers. I take comfort in knowing all the dogs that were there to greet him when he arrived. Growing up with Tommy as an uncle guaranteed a lively and memorable childhood. Every visit was an adventure when he and ‘Emmie came to town. I will forever miss his quick witted comebacks, colorful stories, and ability to make you laugh until you cry. His passing leaves a hole in my life that will likely never be filled. He was truly special and one of a kind. 

I hope he is finally at peace while setting sail on his beloved puff boat with a steady wind and a glass of his favorite cognac.

Until we meet again, see ya later Toots.

I just heard the news about my classmate Tommy. So sad and upsetting to hear this. We used to sit next to each other in Mr. Hafey's algebra class and got in more trouble for talking and laughing than we could handle. Prayers to his family and know that he was a great person.

Emily:
I’m certain there is a sailboat up yonder with Tom at the helm, on an endless circuit through the vastness, sharing his great humor - even the fish are laughing and the guy at the gate is shaking his head!
I’m forever thankful to have shared some time with Tom - at work and at fun - and now we share your sadness and loss at his passing.  His legacy is secure in the fond memories he leaves all of us.
Bunky & Diane Bartlett

Dear Emily,
We are saddened to learn of your loss. I’ll always remember Tom as such a happy and upbeat person. Always with a smile on his face that you knew was genuine. It speaks volumes about his character especially since he was dealt such a difficult hand. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Emily, my husband Tom and I are so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember so many happy memories of the fun we had as children. I fondly remember hanging out at the Shack with Tom and  Kevin in the summer, sitting on the stonewall at the end of the street waiting for someone Tom knew to give us a ride to the beach, crabbing, fishing, and digging quahogs, camping trips and the family driving to Florida to visit his Grandma and Uncle.  So many great memories.  Tom had a unique sense of humor and wit even when faced with extreme challenges.  We lost touch for a long time but when Tom and I are reunited someday, we will catchup for sure. R.I.P. ❤️🌹❤️

Dear Emily,
Sadness of this magnitude seems unsurmountable, but you are an amazingly strong woman and I am confident that you will endure your grief and continue the life that you and Tom made together.  I was privileged to once again witness your absolute love for one another as you cared for him in his final days.  Your deep love, tenderness, compassion and care for Tom was absolutely beautiful, and seeing how he looked at you adoringly in his most frail moments brought tears to my eyes.  I pray that you hold onto the beauty of your relationship, along with his sense of humor (he was a very funny guy), and tap into his spirit of relentless determination (never say never to Tom Donovan), to get you through this very difficult time.  You know that we all love you and are here to support you in any way possible.  God bless you.  Karen

Dear Emily, our hearts break for you!  Tom was one of a kind! He will Always be in our hearts! As a kid, I remember the laughs playing bocce with the famiy on the side of Uncle Mando’s house!  I was pen pals with Tom when he went to Togo, Africa! My cousin in Africa!!!! so cool!!   I was determined to be like him….I even got the application for Peace Corps and was determined to go Until I found out the water and shower situation lol. 
  Tom, and Em both supported Nick when he went to Australia with a leadership program…he loved  asking me about my worldly travels and I loved hearing about his!  Tom - oThank you for always making me laugh, your support and guidance and showing me as a young girl how to experience and enjoy this great big world! Until we meet again….oh, and give my Dad a hug for me! ❤️❤️ Tammy 

This is tremendously sad news. Tom was one of the funniest people I ever knew. We were high school buddies in Rhode Island, cracking up other students, making fun of teachers, playing practical jokes. He overcame serious adversity in his life, but he always had a great big smile on his face. He was voted "best sense of humor" in our senior class. Long after graduation, we went our separate ways, and both ended up in Florida. Tom was such a good friend, and I take some solace in knowing that he truly enjoyed life.

Emily,
Pam and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a wonderful person, full of love and great humor. May you find peace in knowing he is watching over you from above. 
Gator and Pam. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas F Donovan

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

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