Thomas F. Redden, Jr.

Thomas F. Redden Jr, 83, of West Chester, PA passed away on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1942, Tom was the son of the late Thomas F. and Margaret (née Mullan) Redden.

He attended Sacred Heart School in Havertown and Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill. Tom worked as a steamfitter with the Steamfitters Local Union 420 in Philadelphia for 64 years. He also served for several years in the Delaware National Guard.

Tom enjoyed reading, especially about history and sports. He did the New York Times crossword puzzle, in pen, every day, and loved just sitting on his back porch with his wife, Kathy, and any visitors who stopped by. During the warmer weather, he golfed with friends as often as he could. His best four-legged friend, Molly, was always by his side.

For a large portion of his life, Tom could be found on an athletic field coaching and mentoring young men. He coached football, basketball, and baseball at Sacred Heart School, and later coached his own children and others at East Side Little League, Biddy Basketball, and LAFA. He had a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of young men.

His favorite activity by far was spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren. Whether chorus concerts, plays, basketball, baseball, and softball games, Odyssey of the Mind competitions, or gymnastics meets, Tom was always there to support and watch his grandchildren do the things they loved. He was the center of his family and brought life and laughter everywhere he went, never missing a family get together, holiday, or birthday party.

Tom was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (née Buchanan) for 55 years; loving father of Jennifer Cerimele (Mark), Tommy Redden (Joanne), Jackie Dooling, and Michael Redden; devoted grandfather of Emma, Sam, Abby, Nicholas, Sophia, Lucy, Isabel, and Madeline; brother of Dee Ryan. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen Redden.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tom’s life at his visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m Friday, December 12, 2025 and again 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13th followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s honor to the Penn Medicine Hospice Friends Fund at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?fastStart=simpleForm&program=MC&fund=843419&appeal=PMWEB.