Joe Donaher, age 68 passed away suddenly on November 3, 2018 of cardiac arrest. Joe was born in Bethlehem, PA on March 19, 1950 and came to Arizona in August 1968 to play football at Arizona State University. Joe was one of Frank Kush’s Pennsylvania boys and played in the 1970 Peach Bowl and the very first Fiesta Bowl in 1971 – winning both games. Being a Sun Devil and a part of the ASU Football Legends community made Joe boast with pride. He was a true Sun Devil through and through. Joe took the lessons he learned at ASU of discipline, commitment, determination and the power of teamwork into every aspect of his life. Along with these qualities, Joe had a very large capacity to love and care for others. Joe was genuine, kind hearted and respectful – anyone that knows him will describe him this way. Joe graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, of which he served as a teacher, coach and leader in the Phoenix area for 44 years with the Madison School District and St. Agnes Catholic School.
While at ASU, he met the love of his life Marie and they were married December 29, 1972. Joe and Marie shared a beautiful love story that inspired and endured. With a deep love of family, faith and commitment to each other they were married for nearly 46 years. Joe leaves this earth with a very large and loving family. His daughter Colleen Donaher and her children Teagan, Liam and Finnegan. Erin Ford and her husband Adam Ford and their children Sullivan and Emma. Patrick Donaher and his wife Jodie Donaher and their children Juliane and Caitlin. His brother Edward Donaher and his wife Lonna Donaher. As Joe would say, family always comes first, and he treasured the moments spent with his loved ones.
Along with his love for his family and the community he belonged to, Joe was passionate about sports. Joe was a true fan of the Cubs, the Diamondbacks, the Phillies and any ASU Sun Devil athletic team that was playing any given day. Joe loved to golf and to play a round or two with dear family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Agnes Catholic School or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in his name.
A Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November 9, 2018 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N 24th Street, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 9:30 A.M. at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Roni
Joe was such a wonderful example of the biblical principle at Colossians 3:14 where we are told to “clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union”. By being such a loving husband and father, he showed that his love for his family wasn’t just on the surface but he truly lived his faith. It is my hope that your faith in the scriptures and the promises that they contain regarding everlasting life here on a paradise on earth will help you during your extremely distressing times. Matthew 6:10, Psalm 37:29 and Isaiah 25:8 are a few that help me when my grief becomes heavy. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Carolyn Nelson
May the Lord comfort you in your loss.
Jim Donaher (Joe's 2nd cousin)
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Jane Scott (Murphy)
Prayers for his family- Such fond memories of Mr. Donaher!
harold johnson
I knew Joe from Madison and my coaching boys basketball and girls volleyball and knew his daughter Coleen, and I always liked Joe a lot-Joe was always personable, chatty and smiling. I was always glad to see him-he was always smiling and laughing-he’s a good guy, my heart goes out to his family.
Fr. Patrick Gavin, O.Carm.
Dear Marie and the Donaher Clan:
Joe was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. I will always cherish my memories of celebrating life with Joe and Marie. Joe delighted in his children and grandchildren and in the paternal role that he wore so well. He was simply outstanding in the ways of friendship: considerate, generous, kind and loyal to a fault! But it was the great love he bore for his bride of 46 years that made Joe beam from pride and joy. I especially remember how Joe would have a big fire blazing in the front yard to welcome us over for Christmastime dinners. Joe was also devoted to the Lord Jesus and to service in His church especially by proclaiming the Word of God at the Eucharist in his excellent speaking voice. Joe was proud to bear the name of St, Joseph having entered the world on St. Joseph’s Feast Day, March 19th. Now may St. Joseph along with the Blessed Mother show you into the presence of their Son. May angels take you to the new and eternal city, Jerusalem and May God grant peace to Marie and all the family at this most difficult farewell. With all my love and prayerful sympathy, Fr. Pat
Meghan
My deepest sympathy to Joseph’s family. Words cannot express the pain we feel when we lose our loved ones to death. The promise God gives us in Isaiah 25:8 can bring us much comfort as it promises that God will “swallow up death forever and wipe tears from all faces”. Imagine a time when death will be gone. (Revelation 21:4) We are promised that we will be with our loved ones again by means of a resurrection, right here on earth. (John 5:28,29) Until that time is fulfilled, keep close to your hearts all the wonderful memories of time spent together with Judith. May the “God of All Comfort” be with you in this time of sadness and in the times ahead. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Maria Guerrero
Dear Marie and the Donaher Family,
I was shocked by the new of the passing of your dear Husband, Father and Grandfather……I just found out last night….he certainly was a man…….of great faith…..love for others…..but especially love for his family……please know that you are all in my prayers and in my heart……..he will be missed and never forgotten by so many…….May his soul rest in peace………Love Maria
Robert Kelly
I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of conversations I had with Joe Donaher. But..each talk was fulfilling. Joe was a good Fella. I am richer having known him.
Claire Metelits
Dear Marie, Colleen, Erin, and Patrick,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time since I’ve seen you all, but I always was kept informed about your family through my mom. I was so sad and shocked to hear about Joe. You are all in my thoughts.
Yours sincerely,
Claire Metelits
Wendi Davis-McGrath
I am so very sorry for you loss Erin. Love and prayers for all who loved your dad. May wonderful memories bring you peace.
Andrew Metelits
God bless you Joe, you will be greatly missed
Jean Carlson
The Carlson family sends their condolences to the Donaher family. Prayers and heart felt thoughts are sent to your family during this difficult time. May God Bless you at this time.
Mike Brauer
Dear Donaher family,
I had the privilege of being Joe‘s colleague and friend at Madison Number One for many years. Joe was one of the veterans who welcomed me when I was a rookie. I always admired him because he cared deeply about his family, his students, and doing the right thing. I am so sorry he is gone, but I am going to remember him with a huge smile on his face and a frosty Guinness in his hand.
My condolences to all of you,
Mike Brauer
Joy Tice
Joe was my friend…..I am struggling trying to imagine him not in my life. Joe and I shared many conversations. Both intellectual and educational and some conversations were just raw discussions, jokes, and opinions. We made each other laugh every time we were around each other. I was always comfortable with both he and Marie to talk with them about anything. All of the Donaher’s made me feel like family….all the time. I loved Joe Donaher and I will miss him terribly. Joe I’m sure your “socks and flip flops” will meet heaven’s dress code perfectly. Wear them proudly “Mule” wear them proudly.
Marie, Colleen, Erin, and Patrick please know I will always be here for you guys and will look forward to sharing our own stories about Joe. He left a footprint on my heart, and I think at times I am a better person for having known him.
Kevin Eichmann
Donaher Family, I only had the honor of meeting Joe on a couple of occasions when I would stop by and see Colleen and the kids on my visits to Phoenix. He was one of those people that instantly became your friend. It helped that he was a Cubs fan!!! Your family will be in my families thoughts and prayers. I will have Siony light a candle for him at Mass on Sunday!
Kevin and Siony Eichmann
Jody Monahan Keeney
My Condolences to the Donaher family. I was so inspired and blessed by all the beautiful things that people have said about Joe. I wish I would have known him better. I was so thankful to run into him at a birthday party for sue mask and soon realized that he was also my son’s 5th grade teacher. Small world. Loss is so hard to understand And I just thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the celebration they are having for Joe in heaven. Father God please comfort this grieving family and group of friends in ways that surpasses himan understanding. My thoughts and prayers are with you and for you all♡
Paul and Shirley Davis
Dear Donaher Family,
May his memory be eternal. We remember Joe at the children’s mass at St Agnes. He always made sure we had a copy of the readings for the day. My husband Paul lectures every Thursday morning at St Agnes.
Our prayers are with all of you.
Nathan Olson
Dear Marie and family,
I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you in these difficult times. Joe was a kind man and I always had a great time talking and catching up with him at Paychex functions and birthday parties. He will be missed.
JoAnne Bouchard
Dear Donaher Family,
I knew your father from attending mass at St. Agnes. He was always the tallest at mass and the one who smiled so generously at all who came in contact. He was a good servant of God. MAy his soul be eternal.
JoAnne B.
Family Pereda Hernandez
Dear Donaher family,
Extremely sorry for your loss. Mr. Donaher was my former 5th grade teacher and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for everything he has done for me and my family. Our thoughts and prayer go out to your family!
Bobbye Skarecky
Bobbye Skarecjy and Denise Skarecky Alley
So terribly sorry. He was a great coach and inspired his kids to do their best while still embracing the concept of having fun. It was a pleasure to work with him at Madison #1 from parent and volunteer side and to also know him as a long tine friend. We grieve with his family at their loss, but do truly believe there are some heavenly rounds of golf being played with him, Dennis, Derek and all the others we hold dear in our hearts forever and ever!
Hugs and prayers.