Joseph Aloysius Donahue Jr.

SCARBOROUGH – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph Aloysius Donahue Jr. who departed the physical world on October 5, 2025, at the age of 90 years old. Although he is no longer with us in body, he remains present in spirit.

Born in Gardiner, Maine on August 5, 1935, Joseph “Joe” was raised as a third generation American from a family that immigrated from Cork County, Ireland. Joe was a man of wisdom, wit, and warmth; known for his unwavering love for his family, dedication to his work, and his military service.

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Marines toward the end of the Korean war from 1953- 1956. He held the rank of Sargent and was stationed in Camp Lejeune and Parris Island. From 1956-1961, Joe transferred to the 1st Marine Corp Reserves. He received a National Defense Service medal and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.

On April 13, 1959, and with a few dollars to their name, Joe married the love of his life, Grace Bickford. They lived together in Portland until they could build a home that would raise generations of children in Scarborough. Joe’s greatest accomplishment in life was the family he and Grace built. After 66 years of marriage, he leaves behind a legacy built on unconditional love, unwavering support and the skilled art of debate. His favorite pastimes include a well-manicured lawn, Sunday donuts and BBQs with his family, storytelling, and always being right.

Joe is survived by his wife Grace Marie Donahue, their five children, twenty grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Their son Mark Donahue and Kathleen McPherson, their son William Donahue and Ellen Donahue, their son Joseph Donahue III and Joyce Donahue, their son Michael Donahue, and their daughter Jennifer Ramsey and Jody Ramsey.

Their grandchildren, Mark Donahue Jr., Brandy Floyd, Christina Donahue, Joseph Donahue, Kali Donahue, William Donahue Jr, Patrick Donahue, Jessica Donahue, Melissa Donahue, Kelsey Donahue, Abbey Donahue, Dakota Donahue, Michael Donahue Jr., Jennifer Donahue, Farrah Donahue, Michael Ramsey, Samantha Ramsey, Nicholas Ramsey, Nicole Ramsey, and Joe’s closest confidant and caretaker through his health battles, Alexandria Ramsey.

Joe’s greatgrandchildren, Matthew Blankenship, Katie Blankenship, Daniel Grigas, Madison Donahue, Sydnie Pike, Sandi Donahue, Madison Donahue, MacKenzie Donahue, Jackson LaCassee, and Liam Ramsey.

Joe’s sister Maureen Burtt, brother Charles Grover, brother Troy Donahue, sister Bonnie Tibbetts, and sister Shannon Carpenter.

Joe is preceded in death by his father Joseph Donahue Sr. and mother Vivian Grover.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hobbs Funeral Home in Scarborough, with visitation beginning from 4-7 p.m.

Joe will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.