James F. Donahue, Jr.

James Francis Donahue, Jr. of Oreland, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 18th. He was 80 years old.

 

He was raised in Elkins Park and attended Saint James grade school. He was a student athlete, an All-City and an All-Catholic football player (for both offense and defense) and built lifelong friendships from his time at Cardinal Dougherty High School, graduating in 1963.

 

After high school he proudly began his 5 year apprenticeship with the Steamfitters Local Union 420 and continued his education throughout his career at Temple Technical. He was deeply committed to his trade for almost 40 years and honored to serve his union. You can look at the Philadelphia skyline and know his work helped shaped it.

 

He was a proud resident of Oreland and parishioner of Holy Martyrs, he loved helping people and giving back to his community whenever he could. He was rooted in his faith and passionate about what he cared about, his family, friends, church, work and community. He was the life of the party, a good dancer and a proud wedding singer. He enjoyed making people laugh with his quick wit, wild costumes and legendary 4th of July themes for the Oreland parade.

 

He enjoyed his many years spent with family and friends in Beach Haven West and Cape May.

 

He was most proud of his family, his beautiful wife, his 4 daughters, and his 11 grandchildren.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s visitation Tuesday 6/24, 9:30 to 10:30am at Holy Martyrs Church, 120 Allison Rd., Oreland, PA 19075. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30am. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Temple Lung Center, Steamfitters Local 420 Scholarship Program UA Local 420, or Gift of Life.