Edward J. Thomas ’61 Leaves $45,000 Gift to Saint Columbkille

Saint Columbkille Partnership School recently received a generous gift of $45,000 from the estate of Edward J. Thomas, a proud alumnus from the Class of 1961. Known for his warm personality, dedication to his community, and deep love for his alma mater, Edward passed away in 2023 and included our school in his will as part of his lasting legacy.

Edward grew up in Brighton and cherished his time at Saint Columbkille, where he built lifelong friendships and developed a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership. As one of eight brothers, he thrived in a lively household where sports and teamwork were central. At Saint Columbkille, he played quarterback on the football team and excelled as a pitcher, earning a tryout with the Red Sox Hearst Sandlot All-Stars—a reflection of his lifelong love for baseball, a passion that remained central throughout his life.

In California, Edward took on fundraising roles for local schools, raising significant funds to support students. His brother, Michael, recalled Edward’s pride in these efforts and the valuable lessons he learned about the challenges and rewards of giving back. These experiences, combined with his lifelong appreciation for education, influenced his generous decision to include Saint Columbkille in his estate plans.

We are deeply grateful to Edward for his generosity and commitment to our mission of serving students of all backgrounds. His legacy will endure in the halls of our school, through the education and opportunities provided to our students, and in the countless lives they will impact in the future.

If you would like to learn more about planned giving or ways to support our students, please click here.

Together, we carry forward the spirit of generosity and faith that Edward embodied so fully. Thank you, Edward, for reminding us all of the power of giving back.

To read more about Edward’s life and legacy, visit his obituary here.