GUILDERLAND — Joseph J. Donohue, a patriot and family man, died peacefully at his Guilderland home on Monday, May 31, 2021. He was 86.

“Joe’s passing marks the culmination of a long and happy life highlighted by his deep love of family, commitment to his faith and Irish heritage, and deep sense of patriotism toward his country,” his family wrote in a tribute.

He was born on Dec. 3, 1934, the seventh of Mary and Francis Donohue’s 10 children.

“The Donohue clan was raised in a busy and boisterous home on Cardinal Avenue, and Joe soon established himself on the athletic field,” his family wrote. “He served as captain of the Vincentian Institute football team, a distinction for which he would later be inducted into the Albany County Catholic High Schools Hall of Fame.

“As impressive as his athletic feats were, his VI tenure was more notable for his success at winning the heart of his classmate, Patricia Toolan. Pat and Joe married in 1958 and enjoyed a 61-year marriage, which endured until Pat’s passing in 2019.

“Joe’s courtship of Pat was interrupted though, by his enlistment in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for three years before returning home to earn his degree in finance from Siena College, and start a new chapter with his beloved Pat.

“Joe and Pat built a wonderful life together. They put down roots in Guilderland, where they raised their seven children and were active members of the Christ the King parish and the Guilderland community.

“Joe also had a successful career in the financial industry highlighted by a long tenure with Merrill Lynch before finishing his career at Prudential Securities.

“Although his busy family and career took up most of his time, Joe was never happier than when he was nestled with a history book. He was well-regarded for his expertise on both the history of Albany, as well as the Civil War.  In his later years Joe served on the board of the Guilderland Historical Society, and was dedicated to the preservation of local landmarks and the enduring legacy of the town’s founding.”

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Joseph J. Donohue is survived by his children: Colleen, Kelly (Terry Hanratty), Christine (David Finkelstein), Joseph Jr., Karen (Robert Wiedenhoft), Mary Anne (John LaMontagne), and Kerry (William Ziegler).

His grandchildren include: Kyra Donohue; Conor and Erin Hanratty; Andrew and Jillian Finkelstein; Katherine, Christine and Carolyn Wiedenhoft; and Anna and Emily LaMontagne. He was the brother of William, Jeannine, Grace, Ed and the late Jack, Tom, Francis, Mary Lou and Lorraine.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday, June 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home at 490 Delaware Avenue in Albany. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Church at 20 Sumter Avenue in Westmere. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ the King, 20 Sumter Ave, Albany, NY 12203.