Join family and friends in lovingly remembering Thomas 'Tom' John Donahue, age 76, of Amado, Arizona, who went home to Heaven peacefully with his loving family by his side on February 24, 2022. Tom was born to Thomas Edward and Florence Helena Donahue on November 16, 1945, in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1964, then served in the United States Army, and later attended Kent State University. Known by call sign W7PD, Tom was an avid ham radio operator and his enthusiasm first for Citizens Band Radio and then Amateur Radio led him to meet his lifelong love and wife of 43 years, Patti Clark Donahue. The two relocated to Arizona where they wed and raised their family. Tom became a father at 34 years of age.  Fatherhood is what defined him.  He was always first one in the door, 3 sons in tow with a huge smile, so proud of his boys. The family camped and boated frequently at Roosevelt and Apache Lakes.  Winter camping was at the Imperial Sand Dunes near Yuma, Az, where he enjoyed thrilling rides through the dunes with friends, times around the campfire, and watching his boys grow into fine men. The former owner of Satellite Distribution, Tom was known for his mechanical and electronic expertise. Whether it was building and remodeling his own homes, erecting communication towers, repairing vehicles, tractors, sand rails and boats, or constructing solar and wind energy systems, it seemed there wasn't anything Tom couldn't build or fix. Tom readily shared his skills and knowledge with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need. Tom's summers were spent on Lake Nippissing and the French River by his cottage on Sandy Island in Ontario, Canada where he loved watching his grandchildren play, fellowshipping with neighbors, fishing, boating, bird watching, eating Patti's delicious meals, and the daily artwork from God's paintbrush, especially sunsets. He was fondly referred to as 'Big Dog', and that nickname perfectly describes both his stature and his nature, as he will always be remembered as a big man with a big smile and even bigger heart.

Tom lived by the word of God, and was a living example of Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Tom's strong Christian faith guided him through the most difficult times in life. He beamed with love and deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his quick wit, stories, and warm personality lit up all those around him.

Tom joins many loved ones in Heaven, including his parents, Tom and Florence (Siladie) Donahue;  sister, Lydia Finelli; infant brother, Jonathan Donahue; and father-in-law, Richard Clark, grandparents, aunts, uncles, as well as dear friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; cherished sons, Thomas (Kelly), Jonathan (Crystal), Christopher (Joanna); and the grandchildren both bonus and natural, that he adored Anthony, Adeline,  Aron, Hailee, Jakob, Cheyenne, Cody, Kailyn, Grace, Kennedy, and Reagan; great-grandson, Ashton; mother-in-law, Evelyn (Friedrichsen) Clark; sisters, Dru (George) Tonies; Rebecca (John) Donahue; brother, Timothy (Robin) Donahue; brothers-in-law, R. Larry (Nichole) Clark, Stephen (Linda) Clark and James (Kim) Clark; sister-in-law Evelyn (Tom) Brister; and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins. Tom will also be dearly missed by his many friends and neighbors, including the summer residents of Sandy Island.  Rather than flowers or gifts, the family asks that you honor Tom's memory by opening your heart to strangers, being Kind to all and Loving your family despite any differences.