Mark A. Donohoe (71) of Chesterland Ohio, passed away from ALS on March 8, 2023, at his family home surrounded by loved ones. Mark also known as Old Navy by those closest to him, was born in Euclid, Ohio, on May 14, 1951. He was a Proud Vietnam Navy Veteran, serving on the U.S.S. Little Rock CL-4. Shortly after the military, he married Donna Lynn Donohoe, a loving wife and mother to their five children: Meghan Phillips, Melissa Engstrom, Melinda Atherton, Miles Donohoe, and Mackenzie Bollman.
Throughout the years he talked of his memories of living in Tucson, Arizona with our mother, traveling the Mediterranean, and many a fishing trip with his best Friends. One of his favorite places to go was his yearly family vacation to Shawanaga Lodge, in Point au Barile, Canada. Our father lived in Chesterland, Ohio for most of his life, choosing a career as a maintenance electrician. He worked in the city of Cleveland, for twenty plus years, however later in life he found a job that made him truly happy at Orange City Schools, where he retired in 2017. Aside from work, his favorite hobbies were teaching his children how to play chess, fishing for walleye, and watching hockey. Our father also enjoyed cooking in his free time, the family favorites being Papa’s spaghetti and chicken paprikash. Mark and Donna enjoyed retirement together, sitting outside on the deck, camping, having bon fires, and getting visits from their kids and grandkids. Our father left us too soon, he fought his battle with ALS for less than a year. Despite his quick decline he continued to push himself, to hold on for the love of his family. When going through one of the hardest moments in his life, he continued to stay positive. As the children of a father with a terminal illness we were lucky to enjoy the time we had left, sharing stories and holding on to those last memories. When asked during his decline what the one thing he is most sad to leave behind, he replied “My Family”. Mark Donohoe is survived by his Wife Donna Donohoe, and five Children Meghan, Melissa, Melinda, Miles and Mackenzie, his grandkids Luke (17), Madigan (16), Ella (14), Payton (12), Braelyn (6), Fraser (4), Brent (2), Frederick (1), and Florence (8 months), Mark’s sister Andrea and Husband Dave along with nieces Amanda, Beth, Jamie, and Morgan. Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland on Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, where services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:00 am. (Service will be livestreamed at www.GattozziandSon.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.GattozziandSon.com, click on Mark’s obituary, and under services click “Join Livestream”. Interment at Chester Township Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to my father’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the ALS association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon.com for the Donohoe family.
