Thomas Francis Doran

Biography

Early life Thomas Doran was born in Barrington, Rhode Island on October 4, 1856, to James and Catherine Nolan Doran. He received his primary education in Barrington, then attended high school in Warren, Rhode Island and Barrington. Doran then entered Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, graduating in 1876. He then continued his education at Mount St. Mary's, taking courses in philosophy and theology.

Priesthood Doran was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Providence by Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken on July 4, 1880, in St. Charles Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

In 1888, Doran entered the Rhode Island Militia as a first lieutenant and chaplain. He went with the troops to their annual six-day encampments at Oakland Beach, Rhode Island. He continued with the militia until 1895. After St. Joseph's Hospital opened in Providence in 1892, Doran served as its treasurer and chief financial officer. The Providence Visitor had these comments about Doran:His sterling character and admirable qualities of mind and heart made him known, and most favorably so, throughout the length and breadth of the State, and even beyond its borders. Every class and creed among the population, among whom he was held in the highest esteem, can consider his death in no other sense than a personal loss.