Father, longtime Claremont resident, devoted Episcopalian

Thomas W. Donaldson, a 38-year Claremont resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 17 at the age of 90.

He was born in New York City in 1928, and grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He later lived in Suffern, New York, where he met his wife Cherry when they were both members of The Ridgewood Singers.

Mr. Donaldson graduated from Georgia Tech University with a degree in chemical engineering. He also earned a master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. He made his living in the chemical packaging industry.

In 1980 Mr. Donaldson got a new job that took him and his family—which by then included a son, James, and a daughter, Martha—to California, where they settled in Claremont.

He was a devoted Episcopalian and regularly attended services at St. John’s Episcopal Church in La Verne.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cherry C. Donaldson; son James (Terri) Donaldson, and daughter Martha (Sharon) Donaldson-Wheatley.

“We want to send many thanks to the great staff of the Claremont Manor and the Care Center who took such good care of him especially in the last 17 months of his life,” Mr. Donaldson’s family shared.

A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Cherry Donaldson, 650 Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.