Henry Thompson Donaldson

FALMOUTH – “Tom” passed peacefully on June 27, 2022, with the love of family and friends surrounding him at Mercy Hospital.

Tom was born to Chase Donaldson and Eleanor Thompson on July, 11, 1931 in Bridgeport, Conn.

The family moved to Washington D.C. Soon after, Tom attend Asheville School where he graduated high school valedictorian. Tom was captain of the track team with a specialty in the hundred-yard dash.

Tom attended Brown University and continued with his success in track and field. From there, he joined the Naval Reserve and spent two years in the Navy on the USS Snowden DE246, traveling to Cuba, Panama, and Newfoundland.

Tom went on to attend the University of Texas, receiving his Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering. After graduation from Texas, he worked for Champlin Oil in Oklahoma City. That’s where he got his first dog, Orbit, raced his Porsche 911, and played a marginal left field for the Ogalala Clothiers.

Tom returned to Washington, D.C. and started his career in finance. It was in Washington that he met his wife of 61 years, Sheila Reybold Donaldson. Married in 1960 after five dates, they continued their love for one another until his parting.

Tom continued his career in finance, growing his business and client base over the years.

Having had a summer home for 20 years on Southport Island, they followed their love of the state and moved permanently to Falmouth in 1984.

Tom was an avid golfer, skier, tennis player, photographer, painter, and sailor. In his last days, Tom was visited by so many of his friends and acquaintances that shared similar stories of Tom’s open, non-judgmental character and kindness.

Tom is survived by wife Sheila; daughter, Suzanne and husband Steve, son, Douglas, and wife Julie; and three wonderful grandchildren, Sophie, Olivia and Jack; and brother, Chase and sister, Aura.

He will be missed every day. A family funeral will be held at a later date.