John M. Donohue
June 30, 1962 ~ January 16, 2019
John M. Donohue, 56, of Hamden, passed away peacefully at his home on January 16, 2019, after a long battle with ALS. John was born in New York City on June 30, 1962 and raised in Hamden, Connecticut. He was the son of Martin Donohue & Mary 'Pat' (Cahalan) Donohue of Hamden. John is also survived by his sisters, Maureen Donohue of Cambridge, MA and Patricia D. Fredette & her husband Eric of West Hartford, CT and his nieces Kaitlin & Megan Fredette, who were the lights of his life. John graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, later returning to Hamden where he was employed as an Administrative Assistant in the Business Office at Yale University for 25 years. John had a love for the outdoors, from climbing on Mount Everest and Patagonia to exploring the glaciers of Alaska. Above all, John's true happiness was bicycling; whether it was riding every chance he got, repairing bicycles or watching the Tour De France every year, this was John's true passion in life. Remembered for his keen sense of humor, generosity, and selflessness, John was loved by many. A special thank you to the Hospice staff; especially Erin and Nancy who showed genuine kindness and love to John, Len Engel who read to John weekly, Peter Morris and Martin Keniry for being wonderful friends to John, and most of all to Michael Kum, a gift from God who took care of John around the clock for three and a half years and knew his every need. His funeral will be held from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Wednesday, Jan 23rd at 10:00 a.m. followed by his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Rita Church, 1640 Whitney Ave. Friends may also visit with his family on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden. Contributions in John's memory may be made to ALS Association, 4 Oxford Rd, Milford, CT 06460 or to Conn. Hospice Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405.
Pat, Martin and family, our deepest sympathy. We will pray for John and your family. Jane and Honoria McGuire. May the Leprechauns be near you to spread good luck along your way. May all of the Irish Angels smile on you today.
I enjoyed working with John in Yale’s Development Office. He was the sweetest, funniest, nicest guy. May he Rest In Peace.
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Donohue, My sincere condolences to you and all your family on the loss of your son, John. I have known John since he first came to work in the Yale Development Office. He was wonderful, fun-loving man, a kind and caring coworker, a strong and dedicated union brother, and a cherished friend.
He will be missed by all who had the great good fortune to know him. In sympathy and friendship, Laura Smith, Former President of Local 34
Pat, Martin, Maureen and Patty I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. John had so many struggles over the years. You all did a wonderful job taking care of him. Take care With my deepest sympathy, Meg Atzbach Jenkins
My condolences to you, John’s friends and family, on his passing. I knew John through our union at Yale, Local 34. He was a very loyal and active member, and he added a refreshing sense of humor, even at the most challenging moments. I also remember talking about cycling with John, as we both liked to ride our bikes. He was a wonderful man, and I will miss him.
Best wishes, Adam Marchand, Chief Steward, Local 34.
I was a Jesuit volunteer with Maureen in Juneau, Alaska. We have remained very close over the years, for which I am truly grateful. I just watched the tribute video. It was so beautiful and touching. Though I did not know John, I felt like I did in some small measure with all the wonderful things Maureen shared with me over the years about her beloved brother. My heart aches for you all. With tender blessings, Jamie C Tracy