Dennis "Mike" Donahue

Dennis “Mike” Donahue of 47 Perry Road in Forestville died Sunday after a brief illness. He was born and raised in Plainville, Connecticut and lived in Forestville for more than 45 years. He graduated from CCSU with a degree in education and later went on to get his Masters in Reading and Writing. He was an educator in Southington for more than 30 years, and started the town’s alternative high school program, ALTA. “Mr. D” loved his students and felt he could offer them what they needed to move onto the next stage in their lives, teaching them the values he believed in: pride, discipline, family, and respect. In his earlier years, he had a carpentry business with his good friend, the late Joe Daigle. He was also a karate master, and taught martial arts for many years.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Kate, and his devoted family, his daughter Jocelin and her husband Gregory Santos, and his son Michael . His loving family includes his many in-laws, George and Vivian Powers, Paul Guimond, Nancy and Frank Salamon, Keith Powers and Jacqueline Ball, Steven Powers, April Powers, Christopher and Jocelyn Powers, and all of his nieces and nephews: Sarah Kastner, Emily and Peter Souza, Bailey and Jason Berardino, Frazer Powers, Caitlin Powers, Ámbar Powers Géliga, Eleanor Powers Jones, and Abigail Berardino. He also leaves behind two daughters from his first marriage, Deborah Weik and Tracey Donahue, and their families. He was fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful group of people on Perry Road, who loved and cared for him. Mike will be missed by all who loved him, and live on in their memories.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday October 9 at 10 am at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. in Southington. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-8 pm.