Thomas Daniel McDonald

Dr. Thomas D. McDonald, professor emeritus, Department of Criminal Justice at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, went home to join the Good Lord on March 12, 2023. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and mentor to many. He is survived by his lifelong love, wife, and best friend, Mary (Doherty). Tom started his education at St. Columbkille's Catholic School in Brighton, Massachusetts, graduating in the Class of 1960. He attended Suffolk University in Boston, working through school as a taxi driver and driving for Canada Dry. He pursued his master's degree at the University of Maine-Orono. He and Mary married in 1966, exchanging vows at St. Columbkille's Church. Tom delighted in knowing he was officially part of the Doherty family. After graduating with his master's degree, thanks to Mary typing the thesis he wrote, the duo moved to Illinois where Tom earned his PhD from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. More importantly, it was here that Tom and Mary were blessed with their son Daniel, who quickly became the light of their lives. With his education complete, the family moved to Fargo for Tom's first professorial job which became his career-long position. Their daughter Marya came the next year. Throughout Tom's career, he served the students at NDSU with pride and dedication. In addition to writing articles, grants, and a book, Tom's notable accomplishments during his tenure included serving two governors on the North Dakota State Parole Board, working with legislators to develop the state's DUI laws, founding and managing the NDSU Criminal Justice Club, plus coaching youth sports. His students and advisees are now serving across the country in many parts of our criminal justice system. With all that he did, Tom's true joy was always his family. Patrick joined the family when he and Marya married, and Tom enjoyed Patrick's friendship. Then came what might have been Tom's favorite role of all-being a grandfather. Tom's four grandchildren brought him great joy and unending pride. Tom always looked forward to their calls, visits, and sharing in their accomplishments. He was very proud of the fine young adults he saw them grow into. In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children Daniel McDonald and Marya (Patrick) Robben; grandchildren Nathan and Natalie McDonald and Patricia and Thomas Robben; brothers Richard (Wanita) and Robert (Louise); the Doherty siblings, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mary McDonald, and Mary's parents Edward and Adeline. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 24, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN 55391, with visitation at the Church one hour prior to Mass. Private burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Columbkille Partnership School www.stcps.org in Brighton, Massachusetts. Funeral arrangements are being handled by: Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck-Johnson 952-938-9020

Tributes

Thomas Daniel McDonald

February 24, 1943 - March 12, 2023

Tributes

Thomas Daniel McDonald

February 24, 1943 - March 12, 2023

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