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James DONAHOE Obituary
DONAHOE, James Paul
James Paul Donahoe of Essex, passed away on May 8, 2013 at his home. He was born on August 19, 1932, the oldest son of the late John and Vivian Donahoe of Ferncliff Villa, Baltic, and CT. As a youngster, Jim recalled his grandfather's woolen mill that supplied the uniforms for the U. S. armed services fighting on the European front. He could recount those days of manufacturing and commerce with clarity; sprinkled with humorous nuggets of history. Jim was proud of his roots and had a deep appreciation for the extra- ordinary opportunities that make our nation great. He was a gentleman, a caring teacher, and a proud former U. S. Marine. In addition to his wife and best friend, Eileen O'Rourke Donahoe, Jim is survived by his brother, Robert (Joyce) Donahoe of Eastham, MA; three nephews, John (Debra) Donahoe of Wethersfield, Todd (Amy) Donahoe) of Harvard, MA. and Joseph (Stacy) Donahoe of East Lyme; sister-in-law, Teresa (William) Donahoe of Rocky Hill; brother-in-law Thomas O'Rourke of New Haven; and sisters in-law Mary (Richard) Larke of Portland and Kathy (William) Murphy of Orange. He was a loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and William. In addition to his love of family and history, Jim was an avid reader. For many years, he taught United States history at Nathan Hale-Ray School in East Haddam. He was a graduate of the CT State University system and held Master's degree in U.S. History/and a 6th Year diploma in Administration. Mr. Donahoe boasted that his students were his greatest teachers and he valued the lessons each one taught him. Each one of them was remembered by the name "Tiger". Jim will be remembered as a lovable, positive person, caring and generous, smart, funny and always ready to learn! At the family's request, services will be private. As a private pilot, Jim requested that Oak Grove Cremation Services fly his remains over the CT River Valley in a final salute to the towns where he lived, loved and served, East Haddam and Essex. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to the Essex (CT) Library, 30 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426 or to the Fencing Club at Hale-Ray High School.
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Memories and Condolences
for James DONAHOE
May 8, 2014
On this occasion of the first anniversary of the death of my beloved husband, Jim, I would like to express my deepest appreciation of all the kind memories you added to his guest book. A year later it still makes me smile to remember him and how sweet and tender he was to the people lucky enough to know him. I will always remember our times together and the joy he brought me throughout our lives together. Go in peace, Tiger, and know how much I love you. Thanks for being Jim. Always, Eileen
Brian Magnano
August 10, 2013
Many fond memories of Mr. D. The world has lost a great man!!
Jennifer Purdell
June 3, 2013
Dr Donahoe,
Mr. D was a wonderful, kind and caring man. He was so compassionate about his students and always encouraged us to succeed. His warm and cheerful personality could always brighten my day.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
May 28, 2013
Jim was a generous, gallant, kind, and warm presence; whenever he came to see us at the Library, we all wanted to wait on him! He brought a smile to everyone he came in contact with, and just made us all feel special. May God bless you and comfort you.
Sherry Borgeson
May 19, 2013
Mr. Donahoe was my homeroom teacher many years ago. I have fond memories of him. I'm sorry for your loss.
May 16, 2013
So many wonderful memories of Mr. D it's hard to choose just one. He is a legend in my mind and not a day goes by that my husband ( also a former hale-ray alum) and I don't use one of his classic phrases. "You are IT, tiger!" "I'm from the show-me state" and so many more. I still like to refer to money as "international cabbage". What a joy to have as an instructor. Our thoughts go out to you, Mrs.Donahoe.
How wonderful it is to have been a cub in his pack.
-Mr. and Mrs. B
Beverly Racine
May 14, 2013
Dr. Donahoe,
My heart goes out to you. I never had him for a teacher, but I did get very found of him as a teacher to my daughter and on the bus rides with XC. He was an amazing person and I am very happy that I got to know him.
Monica Racine
May 14, 2013
Dr Danahoe,
There are no words that can portray your loss. I don't have to tell you what a wonderful man he was because you already know. You and Mr D were the best things to happen to me. You were always there for me and pushed me to succeed. If it wasn't for both of you I would not be where I am today. I can not thank you enough. Mr D and you will always be in my heart. Thank you for all the memories and thank you for impacting my life in such a positive way. You will never be forgotten Mr D!
Daniele Delehanty
May 14, 2013
My husband and I both had the pleasure of having Mr.Donahoe in high school. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher.
May 14, 2013
Eileen-
When Jim and I first met in graduate school, I just knew our friendship would be a very special one. His love of learning and teaching were evident to all of his students and colleagues and he touched so many lives both within the classroom walls and outside of them as well. I will never forget Jim and will miss him dearly. A superb educator and a wonderful friend!
Nancy Winakor Haslam
Lisa Tuccio
May 14, 2013
Great man
Dick & Carol Parker
May 14, 2013
Eileen, many years of memories, whether in school or at sporting events or any school events. You both were dedicated and sincere. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. What a loss of such a great guy--LION.
Shannon Curtis (Clark)
May 14, 2013
Dr. Donahoe, It was with great sadness that I heard the news of Mr. D's passing. I have such fond memories of him from my years in and then out of school. He clearly cherished being a teacher. He'll never be forgotten during our memories of high school! May you find peace as well without your best friend and know that he'll always be with you.
Chris Morgan
May 13, 2013
Dr. Donahoe, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Donahoe was a larger than life personality. It's been more than 15 years since the last time I saw him. Despite the time that has passed, whenever I hear someone call another person "tiger" a smile immediately comes to my face. Sorry for your loss once again, I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Patrick Woodward
May 13, 2013
Dr. Donahoe,
I was truly saddened when I heard the news. I remember taking US History & Anthropology with him. When I struggled he never gave up on me. He was always there to help. He always gave sound advice (even if you didn't like it). He will be missed. His direction & joyous demeanor echo through the halls of NAHARA!
Ginny Dayharsh
May 13, 2013
Dear Eileen,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be truly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kimberly (Downs) Higdon
May 13, 2013
Dear Dr. Donahoe,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Mr. D were such a wonderful team. You both inspired me to enter the teaching profession, and Mr. D helped spark my love of history. I'll always remember his kindness and optimism.
Dan Gelston
May 13, 2013
CT lost a good man in "Mr. D."
Michael Davis
May 13, 2013
A great teacher and mentor. RIP.
Suzanne (Day) Farkas
May 13, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss!! I remember Mr. Donahoe very fondly from my years at Hale-Ray.
Mathias Frese
May 13, 2013
Mr. Donahoe was a dedicated teacher and put the needs of his students first. He was a great man and will be missed.
Mandy Roczniak
May 13, 2013
Loved Mr. D. ALWAYS, ALWAYS had such high energy and a positive attitude. He knew everyone and everyone loved him. Heaven will now be a better place and the sun will shine even brighter. RIP Prayers to Mrs. D and the rest of the family
Lisa Ruberto Wilson
May 13, 2013
A lovely tribute to a lovely man. I remember him fondly and my immediate memory is a smiling, lovable, playful man who LOVED his students. Blessings.
Teresa Walden - Terrel
May 13, 2013
Dr. Donahoe, I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Donahoe and yourself were an amazing team. Your love for each other radiated and was passed down to every student at Hale Ray.
Mr. D was an amazing history teacher. I loved listening to his stories. God Bless You and Mr. Donahoe. May he rest in peace.
Joene Hendry
May 13, 2013
I will always fondly remember Mr. D as a kind and caring man and an advocate for students ... his Tigers.
Ken Kowalczyk
May 13, 2013
I remember Mr. Donahoe with tremendous fondness to this day. He referred to his students as "my friends", and I knew that he meant it. His kindness, patience, and humor made a lasting impact in my life.
David Winakor
May 13, 2013
Mr. D was a testament to the power of positive thinking and encouragement. Didn't matter who you were - he had a positive word for you. We need more like him. All of our sympathies to the Donahoe family
Shirley Talbot
May 13, 2013
Eileen, I wish we had more teachers like him. The both of you were a positive influence on my children. Thank You. I think of you often.
Mary Moore (Castor)
May 13, 2013
Mr. Donahoe was a kind hearted man with a contagious smile! Not only was he a fascinating teacher but someone you could model your life by. He always made you feel welcomed and loved and would do anything to help you succeed. I am honored to have been able to sit in his classroom. God bless The Donahoe family!
Kristen Vizcaino Emigh
May 13, 2013
I will always remember him as a great teacher and a kind man. He made an impact on so many young lives.
Phillip Moore
May 13, 2013
Dr. D,
I regret to hear of your loss, of East Haddam's loss. We all may have been his tigers, but we knew who had a Lion for a heart. Mr. D was fearless and relentless at not giving up on anyone who passed through the door of his classroom. He will be sorely missed, but he will live on in our hearts and the inspiration he has given others as they go out in the world, facing fear, challenging themselves and those around them to succeed, being tigers that have grown to be Lions at heart. The words on these (digital) pages cannot capture this sentiment with justice. James Donahoe fought in what is known as a forgotten war, but he will not be forgotten. In East Haddam, he was never lost on his mission and we are forever indebted to him for his commitment to education.
May 12, 2013
Dear Dr. Donahoe,
I am heartbroken to hear of Mr. D's passing. He was such a kind, honorable and generous man. You both took so many of us under your wings and for that I am so grateful.
All my love,
Lisa (Magnano) Conroy
Greg Berndtson
May 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Donahoe family. May you find peace in knowing that Mr. D influenced and inspired so many us throughout his career. I am grateful to have known him, as both a mentor and a friend.
Lou Milardo
May 12, 2013
As the Hale Ray softball coach I frequently saw Jim at our games cheering on the players. This was typical of the caring, supportive, and positive approach that he had toward his students and colleagues. RIP Jim.
Leah Gramitt (Tomasi)
May 12, 2013
He always went out of his way to help me succeed. Understanding and truly kind, a genuine human being. Dr Donahoe, I feel the same way about you...what a wonderful couple. My sympathies.
Christen Brawley (Hebert)
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I just wanted to say that Mr. Donahoe was a wonderful teacher, but he was an amazing man. he was always so helpful and encouraging. I always loved how "tiger' was his term of endearment for his students, and basically everyone that he cared about. Just the other day my 10 year old daughter was asking who my favorite teacher was. I told her about Mr. D, and how he called everyone "tiger." Also, that he really made history interesting. He made me want to learn more! It takes a special kind of person to be able to do that! He was one in a million!
My thoughts are with you!
christina gross
May 12, 2013
He seemed like a happy go lucky kind of a guy! Great natured and funny.
Julianna Buongirno
May 12, 2013
Mrs. Donahoe...it has been an honor to have him as a teacher and friend. Being called "tiger" was my daily encouragement. What a wonderful man. Lovingly remembering him. (Julie Adams)
Eric Harasimowitz
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband. He was a passionate educator, a proud former Marine, and just an amazing person. He will truly be missed.
Sharron Clark
May 12, 2013
He was the greatest ever!!! He will be missed!!!!!!
Jessica Tracy (Mason)
May 12, 2013
Thanks Mr. D for so much- you made me love History and it has changed my life. You inspired me to become a Social Studies teacher; I hope I can make you proud. May you be in peace with our Lord and may He bless your family and friends. Thank you thank you thank you!
Nicki Ley
May 12, 2013
To make learning fun is no easy task. Mr. Donahoe was a light in a world of too much darkness, and a lovely human being whose memory has surfaced from time to time since my graduating in 2004. What a guy. One of those rare human beings that are difficult to forget. Sending warm wishes and condolences to Mrs. Donahoe. I'm so glad that you duo of wonderful folks were so fortunate in having one another. All the best, and much love.
May 12, 2013
Eileen, He was a wonderful person. We will all miss him and his wonderful positive attitude. Howie Sheldon
myra Brandt
May 12, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy, Jim was such a good teacher and he was loved by his students and their parents. Rest in Peace Jim!
Keith Lambert
May 12, 2013
Mr. Donahoe was an inspiration to me and helped me through a lot of hard times in high school. His radiant heart and positivity opened my eyes to the beauty of the world. He's one of the reasons I am a teacher today. Thank you, Mr. D.
Cinnamin Mylott
May 12, 2013
In memory of a great teacher and mentor
Lisa Schuster-Thompson
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe, keeping you close in prayer. Mr. Donahoe was a remarkable man....always with a smile on his face and genuine support for everyone he met. With sympathy, Lisa Schuster (proud to have been one of his many "tigers")
Lisa Schuster-Thompson
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe, keeping you close in prayer. Mr. Donahoe was a remarkable man....always with a smile on his face and genuine support for everyone he met. With sympathy, Lisa Schuster (proud to have been one of his many "tigers")
Jane Brothers
May 12, 2013
Dr. D/Eileen.
Extending sincere sympathy to you with the passing of your guy, Jim. A wonderful, caring man who touched all ages with his kindness,his wealth of knowledge, his stories and his humor. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love, Jane
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe,
I will forever cherish my memories of Mr. Donahoe. Not only was he the most influential teacher I ever had but I also considered him a genuine friend. The love he had for all of his students was regularly displayed in his passionate approach to teaching. Although I hadn't spoken to him in many years, the fact remains that I will always hold him in the highest regard in my heart. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mr. Donahoe.
Your friend,
Keith
Barbara, Robert and Sterling Brandt
May 12, 2013
Dear Dr. Donahoe,
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We have fond memories of Mr. D, especially how much he cared about his students and his unending desire for their success. Much love to you.
Donna Baker
May 12, 2013
Dr. Donahoe - so sorry for your loss. Mr. D was a wonderful man. Rest peace Tiger.
Patrick and Corinne Kilty
May 12, 2013
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. We will miss him dearly.
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