Memoriam from the April - June 1964 issue of the NYC DOC newsletter Sidelights
Memoriam McDONNELL
Mr. McDonnell succumbed in his sleep at his home at 95 Rochelle Street, City Island, the Bronx. Born in County Clare, Ireland, Thomas McDonnell came to the United States while a young man. He became an American citizen in 1917 and served in the U. S. Army during World War I with the rank of sergeant. He joined the Department of Correction with his appointment as a correction officer on August 22, 1923, beginning his long career that was to bring him to the top in the uniformed ranks in the following promotional sequence:
A big six-foot, 200 pound man with a booming voice, Warden McDonnell served at various periods as
Mr. McDonnell was president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association from 1925 to 1928, and was also a past president of the department's Catholic Guild which he founded, as well as commander of the James J. Brogan Post of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Johanna, a son, Raymond F., who is a police officer, and a daughter, Mrs. Mary McEnery*, a policewoman, as well as six grandchildren. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church at City Island. A large Correction Department funeral detail and a delegation from the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association attended. |
