Obituary: Gerald "Jerry" Michael Donohue, 91, of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home) Gerald "Jerry" Michael Donohue, age 91 of Lordship passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, April 22, 2021. He was the devoted husband of Isabelle Marie Ludes Donohue of over 63 years.

Born in the Bronx, New York on June 12,1929, he made many life-long friends with whom he had great adventures that served as ample fodder for a lifetime of entertaining stories.

He was a son of the late Gerald and Agnes Carmody Donohue.

Jerry earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College in 1951 and his MBA from the Wharton Business School at of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Donohue was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the US Army.

He met the love of his life, Belle, through his sister Nancy when he asked her to a New Years’ Eve party where they first danced to their favorite song, “The Tennessee Waltz”.

He worked in data processing for Bridgeport Brass for over 25 years and retired after many years Peoples Bank. In addition to his loving wife Isabelle, he is survived by his 5 children; Michael Donohue of PA, Stephen (Eileen) Donohue of NC, Peter (Pooh) Donohue of Fairfield, John (Peg) Donohue of Old Saybrook and Susan Donohue of Mystic.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; Jack (Monika), Patrick, Corey, Luke, Matthew, Isabella, Joey, Nora and Quinn and several nieces and nephews.. He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes Carmody Donohue and Gerald Donohue, brother Dr. John Donohue, sister Nancy Donohue Reid, and his daughter-in-law Clare Sullivan Donohue.

To his family, he was our cherished father, father-in-law and grandfather. Jerry appreciated the little things and annual traditions that made his life grand and special, such as coaching little league, watching the boats pass by on Fisher’s Island Sound from the GLP porch while sipping a scotch with his beloved Belle, and driving his pickup truck to the corner to pick up the paper or selecting the family Christmas tree.

He was a huge fan of UConn basketball, watching and listening to Yankees games on the radio, and cheering on Notre Dame football. He loved a plate of fresh August tomatoes for lunch in Sunapee, an afternoon nap, lively dinners with everyone around the table, a bowl of vanilla ice cream before bed, and the sound of the church bells at Our Lady of Peace which he could hear from his home across the street.

The secrets to his longevity were no doubt his unwavering faith in God, living with no regrets, and drinking a cup of milk with a raw egg each morning and a scotch on the rocks at night. Most importantly, he treasured his time with his family. When complemented on his loving family in recent weeks, he said “that’s all I ever really wanted.”

To his many nieces and nephews, “Uncle Jerry” always had a good story to tell or helpful advice at the ready. He had a way of affirming everyone in his midst and making us all feel like his favorite; a special gift to all those family and friends that he nurtured. When you left or he left, he always said “bye for a while”. We love you and we will miss you every day...bye for a while Jerry!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 10:00 AM meeting directly at Our Lady of Peace Church, with Father Nicholas Pavia officiating. Interment will be held privately in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.

Friends may greet the family on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Dennis & D’Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford.

To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com