Mark A. Donohoe
Mark A. Donohoe, age 71, of Chester Township, passed away from ALS on March 8, 2023, at his family home surrounded by loved ones.
Mark also known as Old Navy by those closest to him, was born in Euclid, Ohio, on May 14, 1951. He was a proud Vietnam Navy veteran, serving on the U.S.S. Little Rock CL-4.
Shortly after the military, he married Donna Lynn Donohoe, a loving wife and mother to their five children: Meghan Phillips, Melissa Engstrom, Melinda Atherton, Miles Donohoe and Mackenzie Bollman.
Throughout the years he talked of his memories of living in Tucson, Ariz., with our mother, traveling the Mediterranean, and many a fishing trip with his best friends. One of his favorite places to go was his yearly family vacation to Shawanaga Lodge, in Point au Barile, Canada.
Our father lived in Chesterland for most of his life, choosing a career as a maintenance electrician. He worked in the City of Cleveland, for 20-plus years; however, later in life he found a job that made him truly happy at Orange City Schools, where he retired in 2017.
Aside from work, his favorite hobbies were teaching his children how to play chess, fishing for walleye and watching hockey. Our father also enjoyed cooking in his free time, the family favorites being Papa’s spaghetti and chicken paprikash.
Mark and Donna enjoyed retirement together, sitting outside on the deck, camping, having bonfires and getting visits from their kids and grandkids.
Our father left us too soon. He fought his battle with ALS for less than a year. Despite his quick decline, he continued to push himself, to hold on for the love of his family. When going through one of the hardest moments in his life, he continued to stay positive.
As the children of a father with a terminal illness, we were lucky to enjoy the time we had left, sharing stories and holding on to those last memories. When asked during his decline what the one thing he is most sad to leave behind, he replied “My Family.”
Mark Donohoe is survived by his wife, Donna Donohoe; five children, Meghan, Melissa, Melinda, Miles and Mackenzie; grandkids, Luke (17), Madigan (16), Ella (14), Payton (12), Braelyn (6), Fraser (4), Brent (2), Frederick (1) and Florence (8 months); sister, Andrea, and her husband Dave; along with nieces, Amanda, Beth, Jamie and Morgan.
Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on March 14, 2023, from 4-7 p.m., where services will be held March 15, 2023, at 10 a.m. (Service will be livestreamed at www.GattozziandSon.com, click on Mark’s obituary, and under services click “Join Livestream.”)
Interment at Chester Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to my father’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the ALS association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon.com for the Donohoe family.
