Ben Baldanza

Thomas J Donohue

Aug 11, 1938 - Oct 13, 2024

ARLINGTON, ON

The retired CEO of “The Chamber of Commerce” is at peace as his brief illness is now over at the age of 86. The entire American business community, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and our nation mourn the passing of Thomas J. Donohue, who passed away at home in Northern Virginia on Monday. He was surrounded by his loved ones after combating a brief illness. The reason for his demise is reported to be congestive heart failure. He was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Rockville Centre on Long Island. His mother was a homemaker, and his father was a manager at “American Can Company.” He graduated in 1963 from St. John’s University with a degree in business administration and earned a master’s in the same field in 1965 from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y. In order to pay his tuition fees, he worked as a union truck driver. From 1969 to 1976, he served as the U.S. deputy assistant postmaster general. Later, he joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a development director. In 1984, he left in order to become the president of the American Trucking Association and returned to the Chamber as president after 13 years. During his extraordinary life, Thomas was a lot of things. He was a statesman, friend, storyteller, mentor, patriot, fighter, advocate, and much more. Above all, he was a devoted family man, and our prayers are with him and his loved ones. As a business leader, Thomas was a giant figure, and across his decades-long career, his Irish toughness, along with his aspiring compassion, made him an impact and one-of-a-kind voice in Washington and all around the globe. He gave the business a seat at the table and a voice in the dispute in a manner it never had before. Thomas keenly believed that by serving the business community, he was serving the entire country, and he did it with a peculiarity. He served on the boards of various prestigious companies, including Union Pacific Railroad, Sunrise Assisted Living Corp., and Qwest Communications. His beloved wife of 54 years – the former Elizabeth Schulz, passed away in 2017. His survivors include three sons, John, Keith, and Thomas Jr., a sister, and five grandchildren. Mr. Donohue will be greatly missed, and his brilliant legacy lives on as we carry it forward.