Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell, of Dedham, formerly of Mattapan and South Boston, died June 14.
Msgr. McDonnell served as pastor of St. Augustine Church, South Boston; a professor at St. John Seminary; a parochial vicar at St. Mary Church, Beverly; and as senior priest at St. Mary Church, Dedham.
A former vicar for religious and a chaplain for the Knights of Malta, he served on the board of the Laboure Center, the Carney Hospital Foundation, and Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
The founder of St. Augustine Church Food Pantry and Shelter for the Homeless, he co-founded the Simon of Cyrene Society, founded the St. Medard Society, was involved in the Campaign for Human Development and the Office for Persons with Disabilities, and created the annual Food Pantry Fundraising Castle Island Ceili.
A prolific writer, he was the author of “Listening to the Lord In Literature,” several pamphlets, and many newspaper and magazine articles. A member of the ordination class of 1960, he graduated from Boston College High School, St. John’s Seminary, North American College and Gregorian University, Rome.
Son of the late Thomas J. McDonnell and Mary G. (Moran) McDonnell, he is survived by his sister, Sister Immaculata Marie McDonnell, of Ipswich; his brother, George J. McDonnell, of Hull; two nieces; a nephew; a grandniece; and many friends, including Sister Peggy Youngclaus.
A rite of reception by the Rev. John Farrell was held in St. Monica Church, South Boston, on June 19.
A concelebrated funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Monica Church on June. 20. Most Rev. John M. Darcy, bishop of South Bend-Ft. Wayne, Ind. was the principal celebrant. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Donations may be made to the Simon of Cyrene Society, P.O. Box 54, South Boston, MA 02127.
Arrangements were by the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home.