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John Joseph "Jack" Donohue

John Joseph "Jack" Donohue obituary, Pawcatuck, CT

John Donohue Obituary

John Joseph "Jack" Donohue, 75 of Pawcatuck went to be with his heavenly Father on December 16, 2021. Born in Westerly RI to Catherine and John Joseph Donohue, Jack was the eldest of five children. He became the man of the house at the age of 7 when his father passed away. Raised in Pawcatuck by his mother and Aunt Mary Donohue, Jack attended St. Michael's School and graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1963. Following his schooling, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was assigned to serve on the U.S.S. Brush DD-745. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He received the Combat Action Ribbon and numerous service medals during his three tours in Vietnam. In 1967, Jack married his sweetheart Patsy.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Jack worked for 34 years for Electric Boat. Jack began his career as a Test Mechanic in the Shipyard Test Organization (STO) and rose to the rank of Chief Nuclear Test Engineer. He retired as a Site Manager for Electric Boat at Newport News, VA. After a few years of retirement, Jack returned to become a full-time employee as a consultant for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and worked in this position for approximately five years. Later, Jack continued to serve as an Engineering Operations Consultant. He most recently expressed an interest in getting his Juris Doctorate, ever wanting to learn, grow and develop further interests.
While working and raising his family, Jack earned an Associate Degree from Thames Valley State College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from the University of New Haven, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration also from UNH. Jack served his community as a volunteer firefighter from 1975-1985 and was on the Stonington Board of Education from 1996-1998. Jack was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Church and volunteered as a CCD teacher for the parish youth.
In addition to Jack's military, educational and career attainments, Jack was accomplished on the golf course and was a PGA certified teaching instructor. He even joined the exclusive hole in one club at the 6th hole at Winnapaug Country Club. He relished time on the golf course with his friends and sons and was most recently a member at Elmridge Golf Club. Jack was also a NRA firearms instructor and loyal fan of the Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys. One of Jack's favorite places to be was in Jupiter Florida, where he golfed and enjoyed time with his wife, family, dear friends and dogs.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and his sister Catherine D. Lathrop, brother Msgr. Michael T. Donohue, and nephew Charles J. Lathrop. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Patricia "Patsy" Cassell Donohue and his brothers, Joseph S. Donohue (Debbie Burlingame) and Christopher Donohue. He was the proud father of four sons and their wives and children, John J. Donohue Jr., Patrick M. Donohue (Erin), Sean C. Donohue (Kelly) and Timothy G. Donohue (Colleen). He will be sorely missed by his seven grandchildren, John J. "Jack" Donohue III, Keegan Donohue, Maxwell Donohue, Benjamin Donohue, Kasey Donohue, William Donohue, and Rose Donohue. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews as well as brothers and sisters-in-law. His family takes comfort in knowing he will be hitting the fairways and reuniting with his loved ones that went before him.
The Donohue family would like to thank the hard-working staff of Lahey Clinic, L&M Hospital, Westerly Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and Mystic Rehabilitation Center, as well as all of Jack's doctors and staff.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-7pm on Tuesday, December 21, at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Masks required to enter. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck on Wednesday, December 22, at 11 a.m. with the burial to immediately follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Stillman Avenue, Pawcatuck. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com

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

Published by The Westerly Sun on Dec. 19, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Donohue

Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.

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bill donovan

December 13, 2024

Gone but not forgotten. A truly good man and friend

bill donovan

December 13, 2023

Gone but not forgotten, All time good guy

bill donovan

February 16, 2023

gone but never will be forgotten

Bill Donovan

December 14, 2022

Gone but not forgotten

John and Sue(Arruda) MacDonald

December 29, 2021

Tim and family, so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mimi Spellman Romano

December 23, 2021

My condolences on the families losses of this fine man and so recently his brother. My prayers are with Patsy and the entire family.

Jean and Steven Nardone

December 23, 2021

We wish the Donahue family peace in the coming days, knowing that your dad is watching from above. You are in our thoughts, understanding that the Christmas season is a particularly difficult time to lose a loved one.

Joe Gerrish

December 22, 2021

Sean & Family,
So sorry for your loss of your dad and uncle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe & Gage Gerrish

Mark Vinchesi

December 21, 2021

Jack was a very proud Father and a good friend!

Faithful Wishes Wreath

Great Brook Sports

Sent Flowers

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Ann Michele

Planted Trees

Walter & Gail Sheldon

December 20, 2021

Patsy, the Donohue children, and the Family.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. Jack was one of a kind, and his ever present smile seemed like it was permanent, along with his sense of humor.
We also offer our condolences for Father Michael. May they both Rest In Peace with their Lord and Savior.

Carl Johnson

December 20, 2021

The Donahue Family,
My sincere sympathy on your loss. Jack was an intelligent and caring person and a credit to his community and his profession. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Steve & Gail Wells

December 20, 2021

Patsy, boys and the entire Donahue family...
We were so very sorry to hear about Jack's & Michael's passing. May they rest in peace. May the love of family and friends get you through this very difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy..

Nancy and Steve Christina

December 19, 2021

We are very sorry. Send hugs and prayers to you Patsy and your beautiful family! So sorry.

Robin pont

December 19, 2021

So sad to hear of jacks passing. We went all through st michaels together .hope you will say hello to Ron pont in heaven. We had such an outstanding childhood and during teenage years he came to all of my parties. Such an imp Jack was...in adulthood he was a respected dad husband and friend. A hard guy to forget for sure. Robin

Bob Long

December 19, 2021

Patsy and Family, my deepest sympathies, so very sorry for your loss.

Steve Boska

December 19, 2021

My condolences and prayers.

Tom Whewell and Karen Hamm

December 19, 2021

To the Donohue family,
So very sorry to read of the passing of your brothers. We do hold such fond memories of the "old Pawcatuck neighborhood".

Doug and Sue Erskine

December 19, 2021

Patsy and boys and family, we are so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We have such nice memories of fun filled visits at Marcia and Dave's when we were all so young, and of your class reunions. May your memories of your happy life together sustain you all in this loss.

Father Anthony C. Dinoto+

December 18, 2021

From an anonymous 12th Century Poem.

"'Tis a Fearful Thing"

" 'Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be-
to be,
And Oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a Holy Thing,
A HOLY THING
to love,
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was a gift to me.
To remember this brings painful joy.
'Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched."

May the Lord Bless him and keep him, the Lord
make His face to shine upon and give him Peace+

Father Tony Dinoto+
Rector-St. John's Episcopal Church, Niantic, CT

Father Anthony C. Dinoto

December 18, 2021

Jack is with the angels. I offer this poem in the aftermath of his death to all those who loved him and mourn his passing; author unknown:
'Tis a Fearful Thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be;
yea, to be,
And Oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy thing,
a holy thing
to love.
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me.
To remember this brings painful joy
'Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched.

Eternal rest grant unto Jack, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.+

Father Tony Dinoto+
A fellow member of the "Hole in One" Club of the old 6th hole at the Winnapaug Country Club.

Norris Burdick

December 18, 2021

To Patsy and the family of Jack my sincere condolences may he now rest in peace.

Dave Pacheco Jr

December 18, 2021

The Donohue Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

George Lyons

December 18, 2021

JD and family. I was sorry to learn of Jacks passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I'll remember Jack in my prayers.

Stewart Joseph

December 18, 2021

Sean and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. Keep your wonderful memories alive in your heart. I´m so very sorry for your loss. With love, Stewart and Jay

Bill Donovan

December 18, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the Donohue family. Jack was one of the nicest family man I knew. With covid some what under control I was hoping to see Jack in Jupiter this year. He will always be remembered. My next round will be in his memory, he will be proud of his 2 up victory. I will miss him.

Jeanne Rupinski

December 18, 2021

Patsy, John, Patrick, Sean and Timmy, how lucky and blessed you were to have Jack in your lives! I have many fond memories of the times I spent with your family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you all and your families.

Nancy Nagle/Dennis Broadbent

December 17, 2021

So sorry for your loss,he was a wonderful role model for the next two generations , may he Rest In Peace.

Mike and Heather Spellman

December 17, 2021

Our prayers are for the Donohue family which is enduring significant loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences upon the passing of Jack. He lived an incredible life of accomplishment and was a role model for many in Pawcatuck. May your memories sustain you all, and May he Rest In Peace.

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Memorial Events
for John Donohue

Dec

21

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly

59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Dec

22

Liturgy

11:00 a.m.

St. Michael Church

60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, RI

Funeral services provided by:

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly

59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891

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