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Francis Donahue Obituary

DONAHUE, FRANCIS A. JR.
Francis A. Donahue, Jr., of Western Cranston, passed on March 30th with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Frank was the beloved husband of Betty Ann (Catallozzi) Donahue, and devoted father of Holly Donahue of London, England. Born in Providence, Frank was the son of the late Francis A., Sr., and Veronica (McIntyre) Donahue. He was a graduate of Providence College and received a graduate degree from the University of Rhode Island. Frank enjoyed a dedicated career in healthcare management at the Rhode Island Department of Health in several management positions. Upon leaving government service, he continued his career as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, The Rhode Island Pharmacists Association, The Trudeau Center Early Intervention Program, Kids First Program, Rhode Island Child Opportunity Zone (COZ) Program, the Rhode Island Psychological Association, and the Rhode Island Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Frank taught at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, the Health Policy and Management Program at Providence College, and the Graduate Program in Public Administration at Roger Williams University. Many will remember Frank as a mentor who provided guidance and encouragement to both students and colleagues. Having volunteered for several organizations and boards, including the New England chapter of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, Frank was a true advocate for volunteer and public service. He held a deep Catholic faith throughout his life. Frank was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his loving brothers, Joseph Donahue and his wife Carol of South Carolina, and John Donahue of North Kingstown. Frank will be deeply missed by Betty Ann's sisters and their husbands, Barbara and Aldo Testa of Western Cranston, and Susan and Steven Dolan of Portsmouth, each of whom was as dear a friend as relative. Friends and relatives are invited, socially distanced, to his visitation in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston from 9:00 to 10:00am on Monday April 5th, followed by a Mass of Christian burial in Holy Apostles Church 800 Pippin Orchard Road Cranston at 11:00am. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Little Sisters of the Poor 964 Main Street Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860. Online condolences may be shared at www.THEBUTTERFIELDHOME.com

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

Published by The Providence Journal on Apr. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Donahue

Sponsored by Butterfield Home and Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services.

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Jay Hackett

April 6, 2021

My condolences to Frank's family. I

Ed D’Arezzo

April 5, 2021

Co-worker with Frank for several years, always a pleasure to work with. My thoughts and prayers to the Donahue family. Rest In Peace. Ed

Carol

April 5, 2021

He was a great leader and dedicated public health servant. He was a mentor to me and I am thankful that I knew Frank. God bless and my deepest condolences to his wife and daughter and entire family. May he rest in peace. Love Carol Hall-Walker

Judy Thibodeau Gilroy

April 4, 2021

So sorry to hear of Fran’s passing.There are many happy memories growing up on Audubon Ave in the “old neighborhood “
Rest In Peace old friend

Frank Lennon

April 3, 2021

Frank Donahue and I were very close friends as teenagers. He and I took jobs together at the Newport Creamery on Smith Street. We went our separate ways after high school, and I left the state, not to return (to live) for 37 years. Sadly our contacts became fewer and fewer as the years went by, and at this point all I can do is offer my sincere condolences to the entire Donahue family.

Tom Mulvey

April 2, 2021

To Joe and the Donahue family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Frank. May he rest in the Lord.

Nick & Cathy Oneppo

April 2, 2021

Dear Betty Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your husband, after reading obituary, it gave me deep sense of what a devoted person he was to family and everyone who knew him. I really don’t know what to say, except that I will pray for him. God bless you and your daughter in this difficult time. Nick & Cathy Oneppo

Kat Bride

April 2, 2021

What a wonderful man! In March 2019, Holly flew in from London to meet her parents for a rock show at Madison Square Garden. The following night, I met them for an unforgettable dinner at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Our conversation ran the gamut and was full of laughs. We leapfrogged from rock concerts to politics to the problems facing the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to US-UK relations to favorite books & authors to current movies and stories of Frank and Betty Ann's life together. Frank was joyfully engaged in every topic and offered his considered opinions on each. There wasn't a dull moment. Later, I accompanied the Donahue's back to the living room of their hotel room and we stayed up another few hours talking about everything and nothing. Frank and Betty Ann welcomed me like a daughter and I am truly thankful for their embrace. They've raised one of my best friends, Holly, and she lives out their values every day. I will never forget Frank's lively spirit, deep knowledge of faith and current events, and true love for his wife and daughter. God Bless Frank Donahue. May he rest in eternal peace and find his reward in Heaven.

Carol & Bill Tacelli

April 2, 2021

Dear Betty Ann & Family
Please Accept our Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your Husband Frank. You are all in our Thoughts and Prayers May he Rest In Peace

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Leo Skenyon

Sent Flowers

Kat Bride

April 1, 2021

What a wonderful man! In March 2019, Holly flew in from London to meet her parents for a rock show at Madison Square Garden. The following night, I met them for an unforgettable dinner at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Our conversation ran the gamut and was full of laughs. We leapfrogged from rock concerts to politics to the problems facing the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to US-UK relations to favorite books & authors to current movies and stories of Frank and Betty Ann's life together. Frank was joyfully engaged in every topic and offered his considered opinions on each. There wasn't a dull moment. Later, I accompanied the Donahue's back to the living room of their hotel room and we stayed up another few hours talking about everything and nothing. Frank and Betty Ann welcomed me like a daughter and I am truly thankful for their embrace. They've raised one of my best friends, Holly, and she lives out their values every day. I will never forget Frank's lively spirit, deep knowledge of faith and current events, and true love for his wife and daughter. God Bless Frank Donahue. May he rest in eternal peace and find his reward in Heaven.

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Memorial Events
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Apr

5

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Butterfield Home and Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services

500 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02910

Apr

5

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Holy Apostles Church

800 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston, RI

Funeral services provided by:

Butterfield Home and Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services

500 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02910

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