John James Donahue, 86, of Hamden, husband of Marlene Sweeney Donahue passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Hospital of Saint Raphael. He was the widower of Ellen Jane Toohey Donahue. Father of Mary Lucia Donahue, Elizabeth Ann Donahue and partner Michele Foschini, Thomas Donahue, and Peter J. Donahue and wife Christy Donahue. Also survived by a grandson, Thomas J. Donahue, Jr. and his wife Brandi Donahue of Maine and a great grandson Aaron. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ellen, his son Mark Michael Donahue, three sisters, Marie Rogers, Katherine Sullivan and Helen Diette and a brother, Raymond Donahue all of Hamden. He was born in New Haven on November 1, 1925. He graduated from Hillhouse High School class of 1943, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served three years. He attended Yale University. John worked for Security Insurance Company of Hartford (originally Security Insurance Co. of New Haven) for 50 years. He held a variety of underwriting positions. At retirement, he was overseeing the purchase of Corporate Insurance and Reinsurance Protections for the company. He was an active communicant of St Rita Parish, since 1966. He had been at various times, a lay reader, a cantor, member of the liturgy committee, member of and President of the Parish Council. He was also a charter member of the Adult Choir. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Wednesday morning at 9:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rita Church at 10 am. Friends may visit with his family Wednesday morning from 8:30-9:30. Interment in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. 06517.