Gerald Donahue

SUTTON/HOLDEN - Gerald Donahue, a man loved and admired by many for his kindness, humor, and character went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 9, 2024 at the age of 88. 

Jerry was born on June 25, 1936 to Laurence and Alice (McGinn) Donahue in Providence, Rhode Island. He leaves the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Teresa (Leonard) Donahue and their four children, Rich and his wife Lisa, Kevin and his wife Kerry, Tim, and Brendan and his wife Colleen. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Katie, Ryan, Evelyn, and Seamus whom he adored, his brother Larry Donahue, and his nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert. 

Raised in North Providence, Jerry cherished his memories of the time he spent in the Fruit Hill Avenue neighborhood. He graduated from North Providence High School and went on to graduate from Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jerry was a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserves and was grateful for all of those who served our country. Jerry dedicated over 30 years to his career at Philip Morris, eventually becoming a regional sales director. This journey began in Rhode Island, led him to New Hampshire, and finally his adopted hometown of Sutton. With 4 boys, Jerry quickly became involved with the Sutton community where he was a member of the Town Finance Committee, a CCD instructor, and a coach for many of his sons’ sports teams. Spending time with his family was a top priority and he cherished their vacations spent at the beach, the mountains, or relaxing by the pool in the backyard. 

Jerry was an avid Boston sports fan, however his greatest passion was reserved for Notre Dame football. After retirement, Jerry made annual pilgrimages to South Bend to watch the Fighting Irish. He found great joy in sharing these trips with various family members and friends, introducing them to every tradition a Notre Dame football weekend offered. Jerry was a lifelong follower and active participant of the Catholic faith and it was this faith that prepared him to face the joys and hardships that life brings. To understand Jerry’s true character was to see how he was able to make lifelong friends in the most dire of circumstances. Over the past 25 years, Jerry spent a great deal of time at Oriol Health caring for his son, Tim. Jerry possessed the innate ability to use his charm and compassion to brighten the day for patients, their families, and staff. It was truly remarkable to watch him focus on others while dealing with his own unspeakable tragedy. Jerry pulled that feat off without complaint, remorse, or regret.

The Donahue Family would like to thank the staff at Oriol Health in Holden, especially Martin, for the loving care they provided during the last months of Jerry’s life. They would also like to thank Trusted Like Family Homecare, especially Josh, and Amada Health Services who assisted in Jerry’s home care prior to this year. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts at https://biama.org/donate/ 

 Family and friends will honor and remember Jerry’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Sunday, Dec. 15th from 2 to 4 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 16th at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, 356 Boston Road, Sutton with burial to follow in Old Howard Cemetery in Sutton.