1944 - 2018
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
April 25, 201811 AM
St. John the Evangelist Church
115 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Joseph Patrick Donlan passed away today surrounded by the two most important people in his life, his wife and daughter. Joseph was born on March 18th 1944, the son of the late Joseph Henry and Mary Donlan of Lowell Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his daughter Christina Donlan and his sister Maura Dadoly formerly of Mont Vernon, NH. He is survived by his wife Diane A. (Secchiaroli) Donlan and his Daughter and son-in-law Jodi and Thomas Darrin, all of Dunstable. He is also survived by his sister Thomasina Bergeron and brother-in-law Roger of Mont Vernon, NH, his brother James Donlan and sister-in-law Linda of Dracut, MA. Brother-in law Leonidas Dadoly and his wife Gayle of Mont Vernon, NH. Sister-in-law Carol Kanabis and her husband George C. of Old Lyme, CT. Brother-in-law George Secchiaroli and his wife Joanne of Amesbury, MA.
Joseph was a graduate of Lowell High School, Lowell, MA. He was a member of the Army Reserves. After earning his CDL License in Pennsylvania, he started his own successful business; Donlan Masonry. He later partnered with his cousin and friend Daniel O’Connor. If you were lucky enough to work for this business you worked harder than you have ever worked in your life and have some of the best stories of your life!
He loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Joseph was an active member and former president of the Tyngsboro Sportsman’s Club in Tyngsboro, MA.
Joseph will be missed by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and an army of friends. The expression “he never met a stranger” was written to describe him. Throughout his life Joseph enjoyed people and most of all laughing with people. He was blessed with a remarkable wit, flawless comedic timing and a great smile. We all will remember him as a man of quality, integrity, generosity and humor. We will miss him forever, and if you knew Joe please raise a glass and toast to his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed for either of the following causes important to the Family;
The Tyngsboro Sportsmen’s Club, 90 Westford Road, Tyngsboro, MA. 01879 http://www.tyngsborosportsmen.com please include your favorite memory of Joseph with your donation.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation http://join.mgwalk.org/KevinDadoly
No visiting hours. Funeral Wednesday at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after his burial.
Bruce Reed
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On behalf of my son Steven, daughter Kellie, and myself we offer our condolences. We have many fond memories of Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jean LoGiudice
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Jodi, my sincere condolences to you, your mom, Tom and your entire family. You are all in my thoughts. Love, Jean
Bridget Von Markgraf
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This wonderful man always welcomed me with open arms… it was my privilege to know him. Jodi, I’m sending so much love and all my prayers to you and mom. ❤️❤️❤️
Gayle Dembowski
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Some of our favorite memories at Moosehead Lake are sitting around a campfire and laughing until I cried with Joe and friends. Our condolences to the family and friends of this special man.
Tom & Judy Machado
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Our condolences to the Donlan family, he was one of the good guys. RIP Joe
K. Burd
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To The Family: Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you find a measure of comfort knowing that very soon God promises to end suffering and also “death will be no more”. (Revelation 21:3,4) http://www.jw.org
Joan Gormley
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Diana and Jodi….I don’t know how to offer the comfort you both need right now when my heart is breaking for you. I have loved you since the day I met you with Chris and all of my happiest, fondest memories are with you and Joe and Duffy. And now those three beautiful men have left us but are all together again. Chris has waited a long time for their reunion. I will always cherish the fun times and the not so fun times we’ve experienced and know that I’ve loved you both through it all. Please let me know when we can get together…when the time is right for you. I never even knew about Duffy’s passing until I saw Ann at Joe’s funeral…I was in total shock as she was the one consoling me….
Let us all be there for each other.
Love you,
Joanie
Michelle Ward
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Joe was the best neighbor a young family could ever have. I recall him many times looking out for my kids and coming down to the pond to make sure the ice was thick enough to skate on. He was always concerned about the kids safety and it was very much appreciated. It does indeed take a village and I having a neighbor who cared liked Joe and who quietly kept a look out for my kids was a great comfort to us. Please accept out condolences upon the loss of your beloved husband and father. John and Michelle Ward