Joseph Francis Donahue Jr., an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024 at the age of 82. He was surrounded by his five children and his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Dolores (Gambone) Donahue.
Joe was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on December 25, 1941 to Joseph F. Donahue Sr. and Cecilia McPeak Donahue.
In 1960, Joe graduated from Bishop Kenrick High School. Following high school, Joe attended Villanova University on a Navy Scholarship where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He later went on to the US Navy and served for six years.
On May 11, 1963, Joe’s life was changed forever as he met the love of his life, Dolores Gambone, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two were married on November 14, 1964. Following their wedding, they moved to Norfolk, Virginia where Joe was stationed with the Navy. They soon started their family, which was a great source of joy for the couple.
In 1969, Joe began working for IBM in Dayton, New Jersey. While working for IBM, he also moved to Lexington, Kentucky. In June of 1974, Joe and Dolores moved to Longmont, Colorado as Joe continued his career with IBM. Longmont quickly became home. The family attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where Joe and Dolores continued to attend weekly Mass for the decades to come. Joe served on the parish council at St. John the Baptist, was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and mass, and also shared his love of God while teaching young teens religious education. The couple continued to care for the community through volunteering with HOPE and St. John the Baptist Food Bank. In particular, Joe found great purpose in serving at Recovery Cafe Longmont.
Joe was the ultimate family man. He was completely devoted to Dolores and loved their five children completely. He volunteered his time coaching baseball. Fond memories of Joe as a dad include nights when Mom went to play bridge where Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers were listened to at full volume on the record player and road trips around the United States in the family station wagon and 8-passenger van. Joe was so proud of his children and their unique personalities, accomplishments, and journeys in life. Over time, Joe became “Poppop” to 14 grandchildren. They loved nothing more than listening to his many stories, sharing desserts with him, and convincing him to get in on a joke towards Grammy. He was their biggest fan- attending soccer games, dance and cheer competitions, baseball tournaments, theater and choir productions, and more. He supported and encouraged them in all of their endeavors, making them each feel special and loved. Joe would tell anyone that he was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.
Joe loved to be in the sunshine with a cup of coffee (or a vodka tonic), sharing Oreos and conversation, watching Colorado sports, playing cards with dear friends, reading about history, and increasing his understanding of the world around him. He was a patient teacher to his children and grandchildren, able to ponder the important things alongside them, but always bringing fun and a little bit of sarcasm into all of life’s moments.
Joe made a lasting impression on everyone he met. The strength of his values and beliefs will live on through his family. His loss is significant and the grief is immeasurable. He will be missed deeply by all who loved him. Dolores and the family take comfort in knowing he is at peace with God and that his legacy will live on through cherished memories.
In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his grandson, Ben Donahue. He is survived by: wife Dolores, brother David (Julie), daughter Marianne Donahue Kokes (Marvin), daughter Christy Donahue Felcyn, daughter Suzanne Donahue Robinson (Mike), son Joseph Donahue III (Tricia), and son David Donahue (Meredith). Thirteen grandchildren: Dezman Schaal-Donahue (Julia), Nick Felcyn, Hannah Kokes Elliott (Jackson), Kaitlyn Felcyn, Brandon Kokes, Matthew Felcyn, Olivia Kokes, Michael Robinson, Megan Felcyn, Dillon Robinson, Emma Donahue, Hailey Donahue, and Madison Donahue, as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe’s first, long awaited great-grandchild, a boy, will be born in August.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (323 Collyer St, Longmont, CO 80501). Reception to follow in Benedict Hall. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Joe in a special way may make donations in his memory to the St. John the Baptist Food Bank.
Services in care of Howe Mortuary and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Longmont, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Donahue family.
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