John T. Donoghue

(1924 – 2009) - John T. “Jack” Donoghue, 85, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, died on Monday morning October 26, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Springfield on September 17, 1924 a son of the late Michael and Catherine (Murphy) Donoghue and was a graduate of the former Springfield Technical High School. Jack served his country during World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of Private. He owned and operated the former Jack Donoghue’s Service Station at the corner of Carew Street and Liberty Street in Springfield until 1969 and went on to work as a clerk for Conrail until his retirement in 1986. Jack was an active communicant of Our Lady of Hope Church in Springfield, attending daily Mass. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Unity Council # 2212 in West Springfield, a member of the former American Legion Post # 430 in Springfield and a lifetime member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club in Springfield. During his younger years, he was elected to the Ward 2 Democratic Committee and was very active in the Our Lady of Hope Athletic Association. Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Michael P. Donoghue who died on December 22, 1999. Jack leaves his wife of 62 years, Marge (Fitzgerald) Donoghue. They were married on August 30, 1947 in St. Thomas Church in West Springfield. Jack also leaves his sons, Timothy P. Donoghue of Springfield and John T. Donoghue, Jr. of Chicopee; his daughter, Maureen D. Shea and her husband Robert of Springfield; his daughter in law, Claire V. McDonald Donoghue of Springfield; his grandchildren, Tessa Donoghue, Katie Shea and Molly Shea; his brother, Jim Donoghue and his wife Peg of Springfield; and his many extended family members and friends. Jack’s family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Eric from Noble Hospital Hospice and to Helen, Rose, Joanne, Patty, Carol and Donna from Murphy-Avis Assisted Living Services, Inc. for the wonderful care that they provided to Jack.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday October 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Church, at the corner of Armory Street and Carew Street in Springfield, followed by Rites of Committal in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street in Springfield. There are no visiting hours. Arrangements are entrusted to the Sampson’s Funeral Home, 710 Liberty Street in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mont Marie, 34 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040 or to the Murphy-Avis Assisted Living Services, Inc. Respite Fund, 120 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.