Joseph C. Donaher

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.