Joseph J. Donahue

Joe epitomized the essence of Class, Professionalism, Sincerity, Caring and Generosity. Even though I was an Independent/Unattached Track athlete (though a N.U. student) Joe knew I was rehabbing from an injury going into my Freshman year, he saw my dedication to athletics (weight training in particular) and had no problem with me using the school's athletes' facilities, especially when it became obvious that I knewwhat I was doing and was willing to help anyone, including members of the track team without hesitation. My heart is so very deeply saddened that we have lost Joe. God took home a good one in Joe Donahue. May his family be reconciled in the fact that they got to know and be around Joe more than the rest of us and that he was loved and respected by everyone who got to know him (even if only a little bit). Bye Joe. You helped a lot of us and your legacy will live on. NU Class of '84

I was online just now checking out the meet results of today's meet at Northeastern and am just reading of Joe's passing. Words can not describe how sad I am to read. I met Joe years ago as a young coach in NY and later had the good fortune of him recruiting two of my very best from Haverhill, MA. Whenever I had a technical question or needed a training suggestion, I could e-mail Joe and he always responded. Once I coached on the college level, he was always willing to critique our kids and give suggestions. He was no doubt the best throw coach ever in New England and my deepest sympathy to his wife and family and Northeastern University. You have truly lost a great one.

Dawn Caputo
Haverhill HS Track
Northern Essex CC, MA
dawncaputo@comcast.net

Deeply saddened to learn of Joe's passing. I was very fortunate to have been on Coach Jerry Tatton's track team along with Joe from 1961 to 1964. Joe always brought out his competitive best for every track meet. Our teams during his throwing tears were very successful in large part to Joe's competitive spirit and his encouragement to all of his teammates.

Steve Pettersen, Ormond Beach, Florida

To the Donahue family ,
Joe was a awesome man! I live in Scituate and played football at Northeastern. Joe and I where always in the weight room together and he was quite a guy.He was a phenomenal weight coach and had a great wit about him. I am very sorry to here of his passing.

Rick Barnard
NU 77

I am so very sorry to hear of Coach Donahue's passing. He was a great coach, a true character, with a sharp technical eye, and an incredibly warm heart, under a tough exterior. Honest, forward, and funny, I will miss him.