Patrick John Donoghue

Patrick John Donoghue, aged 83, peacefully passed away on May 16, 2024, at Kaiser Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 3, 1941, to Joseph Henry Donoghue and Vera Mae Wright in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Patrick was a dedicated scholar and athlete from a young age. He attended Sacred Heart Academy from grade school through high school, where he excelled both academically and athletically. After graduating, Patrick pursued higher education at the University of Detroit School of Engineering and Architecture, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude. He later continued his studies at Michigan State University, where he obtained a Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Electrical Engineering.

On January 1, 1965, during Christmas break from his studies, Patrick married the love of his life, Sharon Lucile Stolte. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They started their family in Spartan Village at MSU, welcoming their daughter Deborah on June 6, 1966.

Patrick's career in Electrical Engineering took him across the country to California where he began his professional journey in the field of inertial navigation systems design at Autonetics in Anaheim, California. During this period, his family grew, welcoming Joseph in 1969 and Michael in 1971. Patrick and his family moved back to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a new job with Lear Seigler Incorporated and finally settled in Northridge, California, where he worked for Teledyne Systems and Northrop Grumman.

Throughout his life, Patrick was known for his love of California and its beautiful weather. He cherished spending time outdoors, hiking trails, climbing mountains, and enjoying the ocean's waves through bodysurfing. An active individual, Patrick found joy in running, playing softball, golfing, and swimming.

After a successful career spanning several decades, Patrick retired at the age of 71 from Northrop Grumman. Retirement granted him the opportunity to indulge in his passions, including golfing, traveling, and most importantly, spending quality time with his beloved family.

Patrick will be fondly remembered for his unwavering love, generosity, and zest for life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Henry Donoghue and Vera Mae Wright, and his older brothers, Glen Donoghue, and Dennis Donoghue. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his siblings Martin Reed and Diana Eaton, his children Deborah, Joseph (Lisa), and Michael (Marianne), and his grandchildren Kathleen, Timothy, Kyle, Elizabeth, John, Finley, and Rory as well as a host of relatives and friends who will deeply miss him.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.