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Jeffrey William Donahue of Stamford, CT died on September 21, 2013 surrounded by family in his home in Stamford after a long battle with melanoma. He was 63 years old. Jeffrey is survived by his beloved wife Eileen Tully Donahue, daughters Kerry Donahue Shepski, Kelly Donahue, and son-in-law Scott Shepski. He was one of twelve children, and is survived by siblings Denny, Jack, Gingi Donohue, Donny, Timothy, Patrick, Christopher, David, Anne Geary and Mary Grella. He is also predeceased by his parents Alphonsus & Virginia Donahue, and his oldest brother Alphonsus III.
Born in the Shippan neighborhood of Stamford, CT on July 28, 1950, Jeffrey was a graduate of The King School, attended John Carroll University, and graduated from Emerson University in 1974. In 1976, Jeffrey and his brother Timothy moved to Florida to open the first of a chain of Ben Franklin stores. It was in Gibsonton, Florida where he met his future wife, Eileen. The two married in 1978 and over the next 35 years of happy marriage lived across Florida, Pennsylvania and Georgia, before eventually settling back in Connecticut.
Jeffrey was a dedicated and successful businessman, working primarily in the field of telecommunications at companies Dial Page, Adelphia, Telcove, Atlantic Partners and UCT Coatings. Though he loved his work, Jeffrey was quick to admit he was happiest singing, sailing, or being with his family. In Tampa, he was a member of the barbershop chorus The Heralds of Harmony and he later formed the acapella ensemble Middle of Nowhere in Coudersport.
Jeffrey's life will be celebrated at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home 2900 Summer Street Stamford on Thursday, September 26 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 27 at 10:00am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation (melanoma.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.leopgallagherstamford.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 30, 2013
Bob and Georgia Calhoun
Our condolences to Jeffrey's family, and to all the Donahues. It doesn't seem so terribly long ago that we all were thoroughly enjoying our King School and college years; there are so many warm, fond memories. I'll always remember Jeffrey as a big,happy kid, enthusiastic and positive, a fine friend and teammate, and regret that he left this life far too soon.
October 18, 2013
Debbie White Burg
I am so very sorry to hear about Jeffrey. We all had lots of fun growing up together at The Yacht Club and in Shippan, I especially remember his big smile and jolly laugh. My condolences to all the Donahues.
October 9, 2013
Leigh Stonington
Eileen and Tim...
Very sad to read of Jeffrey's passing at such an early age. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
October 9, 2013
Carol Barnard
Dear Donahue Family: I was saddened to learn of Jeff's early passing. I was a friend of Denny's in high school and remember Jeff at the family pool in the summers always making us laugh. You are all in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. Carol Schelhammer Barnard
October 7, 2013
Dear Eileen and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Jeff always offered a cheery word and a smile, making it a point to connect with anyone who crossed his path, regardless of their lot in life. I have found memories of him during our time as colleagues in Coudersport Pa. He made a profound impact on the lives of so many folks. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joanne Wolf (Columbus Ohio)
September 29, 2013
JC Calhoun
Dear Eileen,
I am so sorry and deeply saddened. Jeff would always come into my office and look at the pictures of my little ones and tell me how beautiful and precious they were. You could always hear him singing or laughing in the office or hallway when in town. I will say a prayer.
September 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on this day. Jeff, Al, and Gayl are watching us all now,
Jan Lehman
September 27, 2013
Billy Frenz
Sincere condolences to the Donahue family...
September 27, 2013
Pat & Sue Clifford
We are both so very sorry to for the loss of your brother. May the fun and happy memories of your dear brother fill your hearts in the difficult days ahead.
September 27, 2013
Dear Donahues, we are so sorry not to be there today to celebrate Jeffrey's life. I know though that he lived life every day as a gift to be celebrated. He always made those around him feel special. God Bless you, dear Jeffrey...The Cahills
September 27, 2013
Dear Donahue Family,
We are so terribly sorry to hear of Jeffrey's passing. He will be in our hearts and prayers always.
With love,
Gayle, Courtney, and D.J. Pierce
September 27, 2013
Rick Petrone
My condolences to the entire Donahue family for the loss of Jeff and at such a young age. We began a business relationship at WYRS and enjoyed many years of friendship. The Donahue family allowed me to work hard, play hard and laugh a lot. Jeff, Denny and the "Boss" Al and I were family at the station. I learned a lot and laughed a lot. Chris and Dave spent hours at CD's with a tremendous vision for music,fun, and food. Rory's became my second home for dinners and Denny and Jeff were always around and we could laugh for days.
I am sorry for the loss of Jeff and have great memories that
I always will share. God Bless the Donahue family
September 27, 2013
The Babcock Family
Eileen and girls,
Our family has been so blessed to have all of you a part of our lives and in true fashion, Jeffrey was a larger than life character to my kids as El Capitan, the salty sea captain with the booming laugh and even bigger heart. We will choose to honor and celebrate his life his life with you, knowing that the world is a better place and that his legacy will be long lived though the many who loved him. May the peace of Christ comfort you all as you mourn his loss and may the joy of the Lord enable you to celebrate and honor his life. We love you all.
September 27, 2013
Pat & Chris Goess
Dear Jack and Lynn, Our prayers and thoughts go out to you on the loss of your brother. May the memories of good times had hold Jeffrey in your heart forever and may he rest in peace.
September 26, 2013
Heaven's choir just gained a great voice and a wonderful person. My condolences and prayers to Eileen, his children, and all his family.
Gretchen Songster, Potter Players, Coudersport, PA
September 26, 2013
ALEC WHITE
Very sorry to hear this. I haven't seen Jeffrey since King School days but he, like all the Donahue kids, was a joy to be around and he made me laugh til I wet my pants.
September 26, 2013
jake jacobson
May Jeffrey's laughter and good nature make heaven a better place. Sincere condolences to all the Donahue family/ies.
September 26, 2013
anne and sibs....so so sorry for your loss, however, as you stated: no more pain. a blessing in disguise. lisa and i will be planting two trees side by side in the holy city of jerusalum in honor of those two brave brothers. we love you!
mike and lisa alan, fairfield ct
September 26, 2013
To The Donahue Family- It was with sadness that we learned of Jeff's passing. I have great memories dating back to the days of our carpool to Iona. Jeff's genuine kindness and great humor continued throughout his life. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eve & John Madigan
September 26, 2013
Eileen and Family: So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. My thoughts are with you during such a difficult time. Many memories come back from the years of working together on and off during the many company events and transitions. Just know others are thinking of you and Jeff at your time of loss.
Chip Chipoletti (Nashville, TN)
September 26, 2013
Brian-Paul Thomas
Dear Donahue family, I'm very sorry for your loss. I did not know Jeff well, but had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him him at St. Mark's Church. The choir and I wish the family well, and it is my privilege to be with you tomorrow for the service.
September 26, 2013
Rhonda Pilarcik
Eileen & family, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I so enjoyed working with Jeff. His laughter, beautiful singing voice and just having a love of life was awesome.
September 25, 2013
Anne Geary
Dear Eileen Derry and Kelly, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May Jeffery's warmth, wonderful smile and contagious laugh stay with you always. I know everytime I think of him that will be my heartfelt memory.
Much Love, Anne Geary
September 25, 2013
Bernadine Szygenda
Dear Eileen, I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. I will remember Jeff with a real softness in my heart. That smile and the sparkle in his eyes. Bernadine Szygenda
September 25, 2013
JoAnn Rogers
Eileen, my sincere condolences to you and the girls. Jeff was one of the kindest, warmest people I have ever met. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I will never forget the evening Jeff put together for John on the boat in West Palm.
I hope you know that Jeff truly touch a lot of people's lives and we are all better because we knew him.
September 25, 2013
Eileen, my deepest sympathy to you and the girls. Jeff was one of the warmest, kindest and generous men I have ever met. I will never forget the evening he host John and all his friends on the boat in West Palm. That was the kind of person Jeff was, always there for a friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you always,
JoAnn Rogers
September 25, 2013
Marlene Ottolini
Dear Eileen,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff was an amazing and delightful person, always full of love and laughter. He will be fondly remembered.
September 25, 2013
Donna Love
Dear Eileen and Donahue Family,
My warmest thoughts and prayers to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I will remember Jeffrey with great fondness.
God Bless you all.
September 25, 2013
Janine and Ken Ferderer
Eileen,
Ken and I were so very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We always enjoyed spending time with both of you - Jeff was a huge part of the TelCove family for us. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
September 25, 2013
Dear Eileen sorry to hear of Jeff's passing i will miss our lunches in Palm City and our dinner cruise with Jeff & fonzi on the Big Zip.
Dotty & Ralph Paight
September 25, 2013
Paul Bradford
Hi Eileen, Sorry to hear about Jeff's passing away. Sending thoughts and prayers to you from Coudersport. :) :(
September 25, 2013
Doug Nowak
Eileen,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
September 25, 2013
David Sutherland
Eileen,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Jeff's spirited nature and sense of caring will be missed by all. I am touched by all of his "TelCove" family that have left comments. Jeff will be missed by all.
David Sutherland
September 24, 2013
Bob Frost
I was always happy to hear that Jeff was coming to visit us in Vermont. He threw so much energy at our business that it invigorated us. Our condolences for your loss.
September 24, 2013
Dear Eileen,
Thinking of you and your family with much love and gratitude for having had the great blessing of Jeffrey in our lives. What a remarkable and wonderful human being ! Ashton joins me in sending our love to all of the Donahue Family at this sad time.
Margo Donahue de Peyster
September 24, 2013
Dear Eileen and family. We are so shocked and sorry for your loss - all of our losses really. He was a wonderful boss and mentor. Never a dull day. His laughter and singing put a smile on our faces everyday. He will be missed!
Elizabeth and Gordon Bourne (formerly of Coudersport PA - now St Louis, MO)
September 24, 2013
To the entire Donahue family my sincerest condolences.
Mickey Leonard
September 24, 2013
Anne (Ouellette) Gerner
Dear Eileen & family, I was so sorry to read about Jeffrey's passing. Although there is little I can say at this time when sorrow has touched your heart, I want you to know my warmest thoughts are with you now.
September 24, 2013
Frances C. Uva
Dear Donahue Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Jeffrey. I remember with great fondness the entire family when we attended St. Mary's Parochial School together. Sincerely, Frances Cyboski Uva
September 24, 2013
Dale & Sharie Anderson
Eileen and family,
Our thought and prayers are with you at this time. May your fond memories and stories of love, laughter and happy thoughts ease your sorrow.
September 24, 2013
DR. JAY & CAROL WALSHON
To the ENTIRE Donahue family, So sorry for your loss...JEFFREY sure was ONE OF A KIND!!! His laugh made the world a better place...With sadness, DR.JAY & CAROL
September 24, 2013
Eileen and The Donahue family, please accept our thoughts, prayers and condolences with your loss.
Elsie & Jack Hart
September 24, 2013
GENE TROUT
I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF JEFF'S PASSING. I REMEMBER HIM FROM THE OLD DAYS OF GROWING UP IN SHIPPAN. MY CONDOLENCES.
September 24, 2013
Anne Constantine McCleary
Eileen and Donahue family - My sincere condolences to you all. I have many happy memories of Jeff, and he will be missed. It was an honor to know him.
September 24, 2013
Marie and Don Foley
May Jeffrey rest in peace in the heavenly kingdom as he joins Al and Virginia, his brother Al and his niece Cassidy.
Marie and Don Foley
on Foley
September 24, 2013
Eileen
I am sorry to hear of his passing. My wife and I send our prayers to you and your family.
Tony and Patti Mingo
September 24, 2013
David Newman
Kelly,
I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
September 24, 2013
Fred and Liz Dugan
Dear Patrick and the rest of the Donahue Tribe,
I was saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. It's like losing a family member. I'm sure his voice will be missed when the Donahues gather and begin their singing again.
With sincere sadness,
Fred & Liz Dugan
September 24, 2013
Bob Edleman
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. TelCove was a family and he was a big part of the reason why.
September 24, 2013
Holly Zengerle
So sorry for your familiy's loss. I will pray for your strength and comfort in the coming days.
September 24, 2013
Rob Trout
Sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I recall him as a great guy. Condolences to his many friends and family.
September 24, 2013
Ted Huf
I am so sorry to hear of this. He was a fine man.
September 24, 2013
barbara` clemens
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him well, he was a fine person and it was a pleasure working with him.
September 24, 2013
Jack & Dee Krone
Saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. Dee and I worked with Jeff in the Potter players. We all loved Jeff.
September 24, 2013
Scott Bourret
I have such tremendous respect and fondness for Jeff. His work ethic and love for life and people was evident and infectious. My sincere condolences to his big, wonderful family... he was so proud of you all.
September 24, 2013
Staci Burns
Eileen, I am saddened to hear this news. I will always remember our good times during the Adelphia/Telcove days. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
September 24, 2013
John Roman
My sincere condolences to all in the Donahue family.
September 24, 2013
Dearest Donahues, all,
I cannot bear that you have had to endure another death so soon.
I have such fond memories of our time as kids at the Yacht Club and running free on Shippan Point. Jeff was always one of the "little" brothers.
Please know that I hold you in my prayers and in my heart. With love and fond regards,
Kerry Oliver Gillespie Spearman
September 24, 2013
Eileen,
I am sorry to hear of Jeff's passing, I enjoyed knowing him while I worked at Adelphia, especially with the a capella group. Wish I could come Sat... maybe.
miss YOU too, i lost my wife of 57 years in May 2012, i kinda know what you're going through... please let me hear from you at adelphiacom at yahoo.
Very sincerely, Charles Husbands
September 24, 2013
There will never be another like Tusker. God's speed Rod G
September 24, 2013
Chuck Walkley
To the Donahue Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Jeffrey's passing. He is now at peace and rest withe Fonzi looking down at us all. My sincerest condolences to all he was a pretty great guy.
September 24, 2013
Vicki Parente
I worked with Jeff & Denny many years ago at WSTC. My thoughts and prayers to all of you during this time.
September 24, 2013
Cris Love
Eileen and Donahue family, Jeff was a great guy who will be sorely missed. Blessed to have shared great times and laughter with Jeff in the old Shippan days. Deepest condolences.
September 23, 2013
Eileen,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. You will all be remembered in our prayers. May Jeff rest in eternal peace.
Judy & Russ Reed (Moon Twp., PA)
September 23, 2013
Cindy Beacker
Eileen and family - I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. He was such a great person and he was the best boss I ever had....He taught me so much through the years that I worked for him. Everything he taught me has helped me throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you - he will be missed by many.
September 23, 2013
Kim Matthews Tardy
May God's peace come upon you as you reflect on your fondest memories. Jeff was a remarkable person. Thinking of you.
September 23, 2013
Jeffrey was one of the coolest guys I have ever known! He is irreplaceable and will be so missed.
Maureen Murphy Kenefick
September 23, 2013
Eileen, I'm deeply sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. I enjoyed working with him very much and getting to know him on a personal level as we traveled together marketing various Adelphia products after he came to Coudersport.
Bob & Diane Wahl
Middleton, MA
September 23, 2013
Mike Conlogue
Jeff was a hard worker that loved to laugh and have a good time too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 23, 2013
Ken Trout
So sorry to learn about Jeff's passing. He was such a likeable person!! My deepest condolences to the Donahue family.
September 23, 2013
Anne Acker
Eileen and family, I am so terribly sad to hear about Jeff. He was a wonderful guy! I will never forget all the laughter that he brought to the shows and music projects we worked on. Those memories are very special and he will live on through his friends.
September 23, 2013
Sonya Nelson
Eileen, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
September 23, 2013
Michael Lenihan
Dear Donahue Family, My deepest condolences. My prayers are with you. Michael Lenihan
September 23, 2013
Karen Wolfinger
Eileen, Kerry and Kelly,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. He was truly a wonderful man and we were blessed to have shared great times and laughter with you all during your "Coudersport" days. We'll always remember Jeff fondly...his love of life was contagious. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen, Shawn, Kevin and Aaron Wolfinger
September 23, 2013
John and Nancy Glicksman
Eileen,
To you, and to Kerry and Kelly, our deepest condolences. We always will remember Jeff fondly, with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Your family is one of the reasons that we enjoyed our time in Coudersport, and we thank you and Jeff for helping to give us many happy memories of those years. We hope that we helped to give you at least some of the same.
May we also say, Eileen, that you and Jeff always seemed such a strong and complementary match; from where we stood, your mutual love and respect for each other always was abundantly evident. We know that you know how lucky you were, how lucky you are, to have made your lives and your family together.
We hope that you, the girls, and all of your family are able not only to mourn Jeff's passing but to celebrate his life. He was a vibrant, joyful man, a big presence in every positive sense of those words. We are glad to have known him.
Be well,
John and Nancy Glicksman
September 23, 2013
Kathy Fox
Eileen, So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Jeff's wit and humor! A real treasure!!
September 23, 2013
Devin & Jill Staiger
Eileen, Kerry and Kelly - So sorry to hear about Jeff. He was an amazing husband, father and friend. Such wonderful memories of he and you all from your time in Coudersport. Keeping you each in our thoughts and prayers.
September 23, 2013
Jack Olson
Eileen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff will be part of so many wonderful memories for all those that loved him or shared at all in his life. Stay strong and celebrate the life he lived and how much he gave of himself to others.
September 23, 2013
sheila and peter potter
Dear Eileen, sending love and prayers to you and your daughters and the Donahue family, at this very sad time...Jeffrey was so brave and so special...a delightful person, who loved life and always wore a big smile...It was an honor to know him , he will be sorely missed..may God bless you all.
September 23, 2013
Tony Welwood
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
September 23, 2013
Eileen, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jeff was a wonderful boss and friend. We have such wonderful memories of the times we shared, I can still hear him singing in the office...what an amazing man, he touched so many lives!
Heartfelt condolences to the family,
Barb and Dennis Dundon(Skaneateles NY)
September 23, 2013
The Cole Family
Eileen, Kerry and Kelly - we just heard of Jeff's passing and didn't know he was wrestling with illness. Jeff was amazing and will be missed. We're all sending our prayers in your direction.
September 23, 2013
Gina Hubbard
Eileen, my heart goes out to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
September 23, 2013
Ken Trout
So sorry to hear the passing of Jeffrey,he was always very personable!! My sincerest condolences to the whole family.
September 23, 2013
Richard Bruner
Eileen, my sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you and the family at this time.....he was the best boss, smartest man, and friend I have ever known.....I am so sorry and my sincere wishes and blessings to you and and the family......
September 23, 2013
Nancy Armstrong
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Donahue family.
September 23, 2013
Je'Nea Jones
Eileen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Blessings to you and yours.
September 23, 2013
Teresa Bell
Eileen,
Condolensces to you and your family.
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