Jack Donahue

John W. “Jack” Donahue of Blue Ash, Ohio, passed away peacefully April 7, 2022.  

Jack leaves his beloved wife of 65 years, Nancy Seiter Donahue; six children, Curt (Terri) Donahue, Chris Donahue, Lisa Donahue, Susan (David) Alexander, Nancy Donahue and Katie (Chris) Moody;  thirteen grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Donahue, Kevin (Tia) Donahue, Ian Donahue, Anthony Donahue, Marc (Ana) Donahue, Alex (Lizzy) Donahue,  Kesse Alexander, Jackson Alexander, Maxwell Alexander, Olivia Moody, William Moody, Elizabeth Moody, and Andrew Moody and seven great-grandchildren, Madi, Amelia, Andrew, Walter, Lucas, Maria, and Jameson.

Jack was born October 7, 1933, to the late John Joseph Donahue and the late Alice Rolf Donahue. He and his sister, Patricia D. Kurtz, grew up in St. Bernard surrounded by their large extended Rolf family.  After graduating from Roger Bacon High School in 1951, Jack began his career with General Electric.  

There is no question that his proudest moment would be July 7, 1956, when he married his best friend, Nancy, whom he affectionately called “Queenie”.  Jack was dearly loved by Nancy’s parents, the late Andy and Helen Seiter, and brothers and sister, the late Raymond (Dorothy) Seiter, Robert (Ruth) Seiter, Jim (Charlotte) Seiter, and Mary (Lou) Kemphues.

Shortly after their wedding, Jack was drafted into the United States Army and he and Nancy moved to Arkansas where they later welcomed their first child.  Jack proudly served his country before returning to General Electric, where he would remain until his retirement in 1993. Throughout Jack’s career he traveled to many different parts of the world, including a two-year assignment in Singapore.

Jack and Nancy enjoyed a wonderful and blessed marriage for 65 years.  They created unforgettable memories for their children while also serving as an example for all couples – putting one another first, praying together, sharing laughter and remaining the best of friends always.  He and Nancy enjoyed traveling, reading, bike riding, antiquing, cooking, gardening, decorating, playing fierce games of Scrabble, assembling puzzles and most of all spending time with their children, family, and friends.  In addition, Jack spent a good portion of his retirement completing family genealogy, painting with pastels and volunteering. 

As a Dad, he was as generous with his time as he was with his love.  Dad had an ample supply of big bear hugs, hilarious banter and kind and encouraging words we will cherish for a lifetime.  Most of all, Dad gave rock solid life advice and provided a sense of security, knowing he and Mom were in your corner always. 

As a proud Grandpa, Jack enjoyed taking all who could join, to see the model trains and holiday displays on Christmas Eve. He loved building ceiling high Lego towers over and over,  exchanging jokes and stories, hosting overnight stays with doughnuts for breakfast or sharing a piece of pie with lots of real whipped cream.  When his granddaughters asked, he would sit and have his “hair or nails done”  without hesitation.  His love and affection also extended to his many nieces and nephews, each who have fond memories of their Uncle Jack and Aunt Nancy.

Jack was a gentleman and friend to all he met, putting everyone at ease with the warmth of his personality and his undeniable charisma. He would pull you in with a hand on your shoulder and conspiratorial smile on his face and you just knew that whatever he was about to say was going to make you laugh out loud.  Jack was a gifted storyteller and wherever he was, you would often find a large group enjoying a great laugh. He made every room he entered brighter.

Throughout his life, Jack humbly served his community and country.  His many service roles included the Big Brothers mentoring program, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Parish Council President at St. Monica, organizer in school fundraising events, President of the Roger Bacon Band Boosters, Sharon Woods Heritage Park Museum docent, Cincinnati Historical Society volunteer, Sts. Peter & Paul Parish ministries and many other volunteer organizations.

Most importantly, Jack was a man of great faith.  His strength and his leadership will continue to bless and guide us all. Found handwritten inside of a cabinet in his office, he had taped the words, “when life becomes more than you can stand, kneel.”

Visitation will be 4-7 PM on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 20th at Our Lady of the Valley (formerly Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) Catholic Church, 177 Siebenthaler Ave, Reading, Ohio 45215. Inurnment will take place privately with the family at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later time.  Online condolences may be shared at www.MRFH.com .  

In lieu of flowers the family appreciates memorial contributions to Matthew25Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.  www.M25M.org/donate