Joseph Edward Donahue, age 77, of Bridgeport passed away peacefully on November 23, 2015 after a short illness. He is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Samuel Rotini of Bridgeport, Joan Donahue the mother of his children, Elizabeth Maracheau and her husband Steve of California, Pamela Donahue and her partner Doug Cox of Massachusetts, and David Donahue of West Haven. He also leaves 3 sons, Zachary, Evan and Samuel Rotini Jr. of Bridgeport. Also survived by 4 grandchildren and one great grandson, a brother, William Donahue, sister in Law, Josephine Stenqvist and her husband Karl, brother in law, Frank Rotini and his partner, Susan Dolinski, godson, Brian Garrity and his wife Michele and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Doris Donahue and brother, Leigh Donahue. He was a lifelong resident of Bridgeport and proudly served in the US Navy. He was a licensed funeral director with the Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home in Stratford for 25 years and at the age of 50 he returned to school to become a nurse to better help people. His life was devoted to his family and his work. He retired at the age of 77 from Bridgeport Manor after 23 years of service, but continued working for Vitas Hospice part time. He was a gentle, caring and never thinking of himself, but of serving others. His life with his spouse Sam, was filled with love, caring, mutual respect and complete honesty. Joe always stepped up to the plate and would help anyone. He will be greatly missed and has left a hole in all of our hearts, but we will never forget him or stop loving him. Friends and relatives are invited to attend his funeral on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 365 East Washington Ave. Bridgeport with Father John Punnakunnel celebrant for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to follow in Mt. Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday November 27, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St. Stratford. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to the National Brain Tumor Association at (www.braintumor.org) or to Swim across the Sound c/o St. Vincent Medical Center, 2800 Main St. Bridgeport, CT 06606(www.give.stvincent.org)To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisandarcy.com