James "Jerry" Gerald Donahue, Sr.

James Gerald Donahue, Sr., 93, of Cromwell, beloved husband of the late Jacqueline (Fillmore) Donahue, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at his home.  Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late F. B. “Chap” and Mary (Coleman) Donahue.

Jerry was a member of Saint John Church in Cromwell.  He was a proud World War II Naval Veteran having served in the European Theater, Mediterranean and the South Atlantic.  Jerry worked for Borden’s as a milkman for many years and retired from Peter A. Frasse/Jorgenson as a steel truck driver and warehouse worker. Throughout his life time, he enjoyed home building projects and yard work, often being seen riding his red mower.  He was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, Boston Bruins, New York Giants and especially the University of Notre Dame football team.  Jerry was a loving husband and father and simply put, a good man.

Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry Donahue, Jr. and his wife, Margaret of Collinsville; two daughters, Kathleen D. Ptaszynski and her husband, Joseph of Thompson and Maureen E. Donahue of Cromwell with whom he lived and gave him loving care; two step-grandchildren, Michele Feldblum and her husband Eric and Gregory Casasanta and his partner Elizabeth; three step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his favorite grand pets, Shelby, Archie, Watson and George.

Along with his parents and wife, Jerry was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard Donahue and Thomas Donahue.

The Donahue family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. David Minor and the staff of DeVita and Middlesex Hospice Health Care for their kindness and compassion, and to June and Paulette for the care they gave during Jerry’s final days.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13 at 9:00 am from the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Saint John Church, 5 Saint John Court, Cromwell.  Burial will follow in Saint John Cemetery in Middletown where full military honors will be accorded.

Family and friends may call on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Cromwell Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of CT, Inc., 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 208, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or to a charity of the donor’s preference.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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