A family-loving, hard-working, proud, loud, and true Irishman, Frank J. Donahue, 79, of Colts Neck passed painlessly and peacefully, into his eternal rest on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Riverview Medical Center.  He was surrounded by his wife and children as he made his final journey home where he was welcomed by those he loved who had gone before.

Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, Frank graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Elementary Education from Kean University and from Montclair State University with dual Masters in Guidance and School Administration. Frank began his long career in education as a teacher at Tremont Ave School in Orange, NJ.  He then proceeded to serve as a guidance counselor for the Montville school system, and ultimately accepted the role of Vice Principal at Ocean Township Intermediate School where he would remain for thirty-three years, until his retirement in 2004. A hard worker, Frank also owned a general contracting company which he ran for twenty years.

Frank would meet the love of his life, Carol Ann, at a fraternity/sorority mixer in 1964.  A United States Army veteran, Frank served as a drill instructor during the Vietnam War.   Frank and Carol Ann married upon his discharge in 1967 and began their lives together in West Orange, eventually settling in Colts Neck in 1981 to raise their family.

In his high school yearbook, he was described as a well-informed, extrovert and a “man about town”. With his booming voice and hearty laugh, he lived up to that description; you knew when Frank was in the room.  He enjoyed storytelling and reminiscing with family and friends over a meal, coaching his kids’ sports teams, golfing with friends and was an avid St. John Vianney Lancer and New York Giants fan.   Summer camping trips, cruises, skiing, spending time in Florida in the winters with family were all part of his love of travel.  He accompanied Carol Ann to France on many occasions to honor the life of her father, who is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France.  He loved all of his family fiercely and was a steadfast friend to many.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Carol Ann (Coleman) Donahue of Colts Neck; his children Stephanie Fadale (Sean) of Middle Grove, NY; Meghan Wheeler (Perry) of Lexington, OH, Joseph Donahue (Judie) of Avon, NJ, and Shannon Chrzan (Rob) of Howell, NJ; his siblings Nancy Niven (David), William Donahue Sr. (Linda), and John M. Donahue (Shelley); and his beloved grandchildren Brianna, Coleman, JT, Devon, Colin, Stephen, Kai, and Justice.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 16^th from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd. Holmdel, NJ 07733. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 17^th at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722. An entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pathfinder Village Foundation, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY 13335-2314 or online Home | Pathfinder Village Foundation (square.site)