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McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Cohasset

160 South Main Street (1 Summer Street)

Cohasset, Massachusetts

John O'Donoghue Obituary

O'DONAGHUE, John W. Jr. Of Scituate, MA, passed away peacefully, on June 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. He was surrounded by friends and family in his final days, a testament to the quiet strength and deep connections he cultivated throughout his life. John shared his life with his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Bibsy (Swart). He leaves behind his children, Jeanne H. Durkee (Dustin) of Scituate, MA, and Connor W. O'Donoghue (Lauren) of Lakewood Ranch, FL. John's greatest joy in life was being the cherished grandfather of Jack and Ben Durkee, and Leo O'Donoghue. He was the brother of Kevin J. (Gerry) and Stephen C. (Annette) O'Donoghue, Arlene Belliveau (Jerry), Karen Bagshaw (Mark) and Janet Varney (Phil). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and legions of friends. Born in 1953, to the late John W. O'Donoghue, Sr. and Alice M (Bronzo), John graduated from Arlington Catholic High School in 1971, from Kimball Union Academy in 1972, and from Saint Anselm College in 1976. After graduation, he joined his father at the O'Donoghue Insurance Agency and took over the management of the Agency in 1981. His vision, business acumen and steady hand shepherded the Agency into the successful enterprise it is today. A licensed pilot, with a true love of aviation, John spent many hours donating his time to Angel Flights, in order to provide transportation for critically ill children. John had a quick wit and an easy laugh. He loved being out on the water, out on the golf course and at Fenway Park, but most of all he loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his extended family. He will always be remembered for his loyalty to family and friends, his generosity to his communities and his service to those who needed him most. John's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone at MGH's Lunder nine floor, especially Hannah, Lily, Callie, Kelsey, Jamie and Mary Kate. Visiting Hours will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3-7 pm, at the McNamara Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St., COHASSET, MA 02025. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10 am, in St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent St., Scituate Harbor, MA 02066. Burial will follow at the St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to MGH's Center for Lymphoma, https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/center-for-lymphoma For an online guestbook, please visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 17 to Jun. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Donoghue

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4 Entries

Mary Tobin Belben, Class ACHS `72

June 30, 2025

So terribly sad to hear of John´s illness and passing. He was a wonderful high school friend to all. Generous, kind hearted, helpful, with a kind, quick wit. Always a smile for everyone. Rest in peace, John. God Bless him and his family at this sorrowful time.

Dennis & Linda Bronzo

June 23, 2025

Dear Bibsy, Jeanne, & Connor,
Linda & I are truly saddened by the news of John's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Linda is not feeling well so we are unable to attend this morning, but will watch it on line. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time,. May John rest in peace.

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Bob Greeley

June 19, 2025

So sorry for your loss
John was all class !
Rip john

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Memorial Events
for John O'Donoghue

Jun

22

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home

160 South Main, Street, MA 02025

Jun

23

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary of the Nativity Church (Cohasset, Scituate Harbor, MA)

Funeral services provided by:

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Cohasset

160 South Main Street (1 Summer Street) P.O. BOX 431, Cohasset, MA 02025

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