Hugh James Donohue Sr.

DONOHUE Hugh James Donohue Sr., 77, died peacefully at home on July 10, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. Hugh was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. After graduating from St. Ann's Academy where he played basketball for Lou Carnesseca, Hugh attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a member of the Men's Basketball Team from 1958-1962. He is a member of Dean Smith's first graduating class and his 3rd letterman. Following college, Hugh became a New York City Police Officer, rising to the rank of Detective 2nd grade until 1972, when he fulfilled a lifelong dream working as the Assistant Basketball Coach at the University of Georgia under Ken Rosemond until 1975. After returning to New York, Hugh worked for International Telephone & Telegraph in the security detail of the CEO and continued being involved in basketball as a High School and College Division I official. In 1984, Hugh and his family purchased the Four Corners Restaurant on Franklin Street, in Chapel Hill, NC which they owned and operated until 1989. This special time was most fulfilling for him and his influence was felt by many. Following the sale of the restaurant, Hugh settled in Bronxville, NY and was semi-retired until 2006, when he permanently retired to Jacksonville, FL. He was an avid supporter of the University of North Florida Osprey's Athletic programs. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (O'Brien) and Patrick, his younger brother Patrick and his son-in-law Joseph Berlesky. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary; children Doreen, Hugh II (Julie), Christopher (Kelly), Catherine (Tiziano Longo); and his brother Kevin (Joan). He was the beloved Big Poppy to seven grandchildren-Tiernan, Austin, Murphy and Christopher Donohue, Bryce Lewis and Massimo and Deegan Longo. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum at nodcc.org. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Special thanks to Dr. Streeter, Ashley Nuna and Charelle Holt; your care for Hugh was exceptional. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Rd. Jacksonville, Fla., on Monday, July 17th at 11 a.m. The wearing of Carolina Blue is encouraged.