Search by Name

Search by Name

David Donegan Obituary

Of Lynnfield, April 1. Retired Patrolman, Lynnfield Police Department. After a long battle with Lung Cancer. Husband of the late Cheryl D. (O'Neil). Father of David M. Donegan of Lynnfield, Kelli A. Meade & her husband Joseph of Marshfield and Kerri A. Trapasso & her husband Thomas of Hewitt, NJ. Brother of John Sullivan & his wife Jeanette of Brockton, John F. Donegan & his wife Annette, Eileen D. Donegan & Stephen R. Donegan all of Lynnfield. Grandfather of Patrick J. Meade, Elena and Thomas Trapasso. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, WAKEFIELD, Saturday at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Grove St, Lynnfield at 10 AM. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Friday 4-8 PM. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451 or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St, Framingham, MA 01701. For obit/directions/guestbook, www.mcdonaldfs.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Apr. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Donegan

Not sure what to say?





Fiona (Vail) Mulcahy

April 10, 2008

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. I would see him a lot when he came into Prince Restaurant and he would always like to talk about his children and grandchildren, he was very proud of all of you. He will be sadly missed!

Michelle Polito

April 6, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed talking with your Dad always. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Marc and Beth Miller

April 5, 2008

Dear Donegan Clan
We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. David's easy laughter, his love of family and his friendship will warm our memories. Fondly

Tricia Torosian

April 5, 2008

To: Dave, Kelli and Kerry,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. From our brothers in Las Vegas to our parents in Florida and for those of us right here in Lynnfield, we all feel the impact of the loss of your Dad. We have many fond memories (to say the least)!
Much Love & God Bless to each of you.
The Rubbico Family

Wesley Reed

April 5, 2008

As a family we mourn the loss of David Donegan, our friend and fellow charter member of Jack’s Gymnasium. His passing evokes memories of the days when at any time giants of the political and sporting world might drop by and sit with us locals to debate current issues. David had a reserved parking space out front and could be regularly relied upon to weigh in on any subject. No one was prouder of the affiliation or more deserved to be recognized in the Hall of Fame of John and Rita’s venerable emporium at 701 Main Street, Lynnfield than he was. We have in our home the last picture taken of that hallowed and revered building before the demo started. Biz has told me the story that it was actually taken by David as he happened by in the cruiser. It includes Ace and Billy C and other members of “the club”

While all were welcome at the Callahan’s admission to this organization of Big Jack’s Gym was by invite only and David met all the prerequisites. He was honorable, trustworthy, and decent to others. Above all he was not phony. (John abhorred phonies) Slipping up in any of these areas could result in a members expulsion from the Hall of Fame. Both John and David took great delight in playfully threatening to “loosen the screws” of members’ name plates on the plaque if they fell out of line.

Beyond the Gym, he was a wonderful police officer and we loved him because he still remained one of us. He had the right slant on everything, it seemed. He could be tough when he had to be, but we knew him as a kind, compassionate and thoughtful man. In fact he always asked us about our Mother and Dad. He was a policeman with a mailman’s perspective and heart. The perfect persona for a small town cop.

Like John, Rita, Ginty, David Lucey, and Ace, David will be missed but remembered by this family with much love and respect.

Wesley Reed

The Hodge Family

April 4, 2008

We will miss David on the streets of Lynnfield. He always had a smile for everyone. Rest in peace.

ALISA STATHO PROFENNO

April 4, 2008

KERRI, DAVID, AND KELLIE,
I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. HE WAS A SWEET, WONDERFUL PERSON, WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.

janine and joseph lotti

April 4, 2008

dave:
your father can rest in peace with the knowledge that he has raised a son who will honor his memory---for you are also a good and loyal friend with a big heart and a big smile.

Matthew McGrath

April 4, 2008

Please accept my sympathy. Dave was a fine policeman and a great friend of my late father.

Matt and Marilyn Berardi

April 4, 2008

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. David served the Lynnfield community with dignity. He will be missed many. We will remember him in our prayers.

Mike Ciaburri

April 3, 2008

My deepest sympathys Dave, Kel and Keri, Miss you guys xoxo Love mike

Christina Brown

April 3, 2008

Dave-

We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

-Kevin and Christina

Andy and Dee Olivolo

April 3, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to all members of the Donegan family. We have lost a real friend and a great guy.

Kevin Kiley

April 3, 2008

Dave Donegan was a real gentleman and I am honered to say he was my friend. I will miss his Big Irish Smile. My condolences to the Donegan family on your loss.

James Gilhooley

April 3, 2008

A true Officer, Gentleman, and Friend. This world will be a sadder place without the "Legend" !

R.I.P. Brother

Sgt. Jim Gilhooley
Mass. State Police

April 3, 2008

Please accept our condolences during this difficult time. God bless you all.

Charlie and Marion Peabody

j roman

April 3, 2008

God bless you and yours.
Joanna Roman Jr. & Family
Malden, MA

j roman

April 3, 2008

With our deepest sympathy.
John & Joanna Roman
Quincy, MA

Roberta & Elizabeth Nelson

April 3, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in David Donegan's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for David Donegan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor David Donegan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more