Joseph Edward Doodan

Joseph Edward Doodan passed away on May 24, 2026, at the home of his daughter Sarah in Dublin, Ohio. He was born on March 13, 1948 in Tokyo, Japan to the late Metro and Sarah Bernice (McGinnis) Doodan.

He was raised alongside his five siblings: Michael Doodan of Powell, Ohio; Suzanne Doodan of Maui, Hawaii; Kathleen Anderson of Ripon, California; Theresa Doodan of Powell, Ohio; and Steven Doodan of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was during his childhood that his lifelong love of the outdoors began. Hunting, target shooting, fishing, hiking in the woods, gardening, and spending time with his children and extended family were among his greatest joys. A trip to Japan last year, along with a recent hunting trip to Big Sky country in Montana, were especially meaningful experiences to him.

Joe earned his undergraduate degree and his master’s degree from The Ohio State University (Department of Geography), establishing the foundation for a successful lifelong career in healthcare planning and administration. His professional career included serving as Director of Data and Project Review at the Central Ohio River Valley Health Planning Association (CORVA), a first-of-its-kind agency in Cincinnati, Ohio; Director of Planning at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati; and a leadership role within the planning division of the former architectural and planning firm Karlsberger Companies in Columbus, where he specialized in hospital planning expertise. He later served as Executive Director of the Ohio Primary Care Association in Columbus and ultimately retired from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, where he served as Section Chief.

He married the late Mary Karen Wilson, with whom he had his eldest son, Jed Doodan of Columbus. He later married his now former wife, Anita Laterro, with whom he had Jake Doodan of Powell and Sarah Doodan of Dublin. His children were his pride and joy and were devoted to him throughout the final months of his life.

In his final days, Joe was surrounded by visits from siblings, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and the many acquaintances he had collected over the years. Special thanks are extended to his niece Danielle for her bedside care and compassion.

Joe will be warmly remembered for his brilliant mind, quick wit, unforgettable storytelling, wonderful sense of humor, countless antics, special “Dad-isms,” and genuine kindness toward strangers.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 1PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, OH 43085.