John J. Donahue

Sandwich – John J. Donahue, 73, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2022.

He was born in Brockton, MA and was the son of the late Robert Donahue & Albina (Tonello) (Donahue) Messer.

John was a veteran of the US Air Force, stationed in Mississippi as a cook. This is where he developed his love of cooking for large gatherings. He attended the Whitman schools and was a graduate of Whitman High School and the Museum of Fine Art School, in Boston, Ma.

At age 13 John began building car motors, redesigning cars at a custom level. He was a painter in both oils and acrylic. At age 22 he started working in glass at the Lawrence Plate Glass, winning first place in a competition for graduating apprentices sponsored by the Glaziers Local 1044. He went on to represent the Boston local in a National conference of apprentices at the first national contest for glaziers in Washington D.C. where he captured second place nationwide. After learning the mechanical uses and abilities of glass he moved on to creating glass sculptures incorporating water with glass creating prismatic color sculptures, like no other artist anywhere in the world. He received awards from Bill Blass and Victoria’s Secret in Paris. John also created many custom mirrors, glass, sculptures, stain glass and sand blasted glass murals which you can find in many restaurants, high rises, and homes throughout New England. Over the years he designed many aquariums combining glass, stone, gemstones, wood, and metal. John was one of the first co-founders of the BMW Club started in Boston in 1979. He was also a committed member of AA for over 25 years, where he supported and helped many friends. Later on in his life, he grew a passion for redesigning MG Coupes to create custom off road beach buggy’s. John was a proud collector of many cars and boats especially his BMW Z3 Coupes. He had a passion for his personal collection of aquariums and exotic fish. He enjoyed spending time with his children camping, having elaborate bon fires, boating, playing pool, movies at the drive-in theater, listening to music, watching the sunset, and working on his fairy & flower garden for his grandchildren. He was an extraordinary artist and inventor, an artisan in all his endeavors, he loved his children and grandchildren he had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed hosting a good party.

John is survived by his three sons, Shaun Donahue of Tewksbury, Ma, Matthew Donahue of Westford, MA, Jack Donahue of Ayer, MA, two daughters, Jennifer Rubini and her husband Nicholas Rubini of Lowell, MA and Jessica Donahue of Acton, MA; grandchildren, Mila Rubini, William Andrews, Scarlett Coughlin, and a good friend Ryan King of Cotuit, Ma. He was predeceased by his brother Dennis Donahue.

Families and friends may call on Saturday January 14, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at The Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis Ma.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the John Donahue memorial fund.

https://gofund.me/324332e8