Gerald Francis "Jeff" Donoghue

Gerald "Jeff " Francis Donoghue, 92 of Coral Springs, FL, formerly of Royal Palm Beach, FL, and Middletown, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1932, in Worcester, MA. He graduated from Classical High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry through the ROTC program at Holy Cross College. He served in the United States Air Force from September 1955 to April 1958 as a Navigator and retired with the rank of Captain. Gerald worked as a Chemist Technical Supervisor at E.I. DuPont for 27 years, where he contributed significantly to the company's advancements. In January 1987, he transitioned to entrepreneurship and became the owner of Mat-Key Press, a position he held until his retirement in December 2006. Gerald was a devoted member of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish in Royal Palm Beach, serving faithfully as an usher. His warm presence and welcoming spirit made a lasting impact on fellow parishioners and visitors alike.
Gerald lived a life marked by service to others and a commitment to his community. He was a dedicated member of the Matawan Rotary Club for many years, embodying their motto of "Service Above Self" through his active participation in numerous charitable initiatives and community projects. His fellow Rotarians will fondly remember his leadership as the District Governor of Rotary International in 2001-2002. Gerald was also a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He found great camaraderie and purpose in the organization's principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Through his involvement, he contributed to various philanthropic endeavors and strengthened the bonds within his faith community. He enjoyed reading, cheering for the Boston Red Sox and the NY Giants, as well as taking walks with his dog "Scooter". Gerald had a deep passion for travel, exploring destinations across Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. He especially enjoyed cruising with Barbara, visiting many beautiful islands together. Their journeys also took them to Italy, Israel, Chile, and Argentina, creating cherished memories around the world.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 21 years, Barbara (Greco) Donoghue; children, Kerry Ann (Paul) Scarfo, Timothy (MaryAnne) Donoghue, Michael ( Nancy) Donoghue, Elizabeth Donoghue, Maureen (Glenn) Martin, Gerald F.X. (Angela) Donoghue, Joanna (Chris) Pierce, Steven (Rick) Greco, Chet (Christine) Greco, and Cindy (Skip) Lytle; 18 grandchildren, Christopher (Lauren) Donoghue, Megan (Oleg) Shvets, Andrew (Kristine) Donoghue, Justin (Katrina) Martin, Siobhan Scarfo, Ashley Mulvaney, Ryan (Ashley)Scarfo, Patrick Donoghue, Erin Donoghue, Shannon Donoghue, Kaitlyn Pierce, Kelly Donoghue, Austin Pierce, Shane Donoghue, Tyler Pierce, Shannon Lytle; David Lytle; and Ayssa Greco; 3 great grandchildren - Makayla Donoghue, Rylie Donoghue and Sabine Shvets; sisters, Julian Orciuch, MaryAlice (John) Kilcoyne, and Ann (Leo) Chaland and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan E. (Fitzgerald) Donoghue, brother, Fr. Henry Donoghue, and brother-in-law Raymond Orciuch.
Gerald made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love, and laughter. His memory will live on through his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend the committal services for Gerald's burial this Friday May 16, 2025 11:15AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery of Middletown, New Jersey.
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