Joseph F. Donohue, Sr.

TROY - Joseph F. Donohue, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully att Van Rensselaer Manor on Friday, April 7, 2017. Joe was born in Troy, New York, son of the late Edward L. Donohue and Catherine Cosgrove Donohue.

He was educated at Lansingburgh High School and served with the U. S. Navy in WWII as a radio operator. Joe retired after 4343 years from Niagara Mo-Mo hawk Power Corporation. Joe was also an entrepreneur as part owner of Lake Lorraine in Hoosick Falls, New York, operating the Tom Thumb Snack Bar at Hedges Lake, NY, and later owning “Donohue’s Dancing Duds”. He was a popular square dance caller. In his younger years, he en joyed dancing, bowling, playing golf and watching the horse races. Joe loved to laugh and sing especially with his siblings and his sons’ band, the JD4. He also spent winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida. During his retirement, he worked for Hertz Car Rental in Albany.

Survived by his sons, Joseph F. (Connie) Donohue, Jr., John E. (Nancy) Donohue, Edward L. (Joyce) Donohue and his daughter, Donna M. Engelke. Grandfather of Emily (Devon) Camenga, Chelsea (Marc) Giuliano, Ashley (Jayson) Newell, Amanda (Jack Dearborn) Engelke, Paul (Kaylin Erbe) Engelke, Ryan (Jessica) Donohue, and Shannon Donohue. Great grandfather of Seamus, Grace, and Liam Camenga, Laila and Paul Engelke, Max Giuliano and expected baby boy Newell. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and his brother-in-law Jerry (Shirley) Romeo.

Predeceased by brothers Edward “Bud” Donohue and John Donohue and sisters Mary Morgan and Catherine Rau. Also predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Grace Romeo Donohue and infant daughter, Grace Anne. His second wife, Maggie died in 2012.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff and administration of the Van Rensselaer Manor for their outstanding care and support given to Joe and his family.

Joe made an anatomical gift to Albany Medical College. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funerals & Cremations, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A memorial funeral service will be held att 8:00 pm. At a future date, there will be a ceremony at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Ronald McDonald House Charities at RMHC, 139 South Lake Avenue, Al-Al bany, NY 12208.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit: www.NewComerAlbany.com