NORTH OXFORD --- Neil Francis O’Donoghue, 78, formerly of North Oxford, MA died on Monday, March 21,2022 in his home at Whitney Place in Westborough. He is predeceased by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Theresa (Kasprzak) O’Donoghue.
He leaves behind his children, Daniel O’Donoghue of Easthampton, MA; Jennifer Kelly and her husband Daniel; his three grandchildren, Nolan, Jack, and Katherine Kelly all of Hopkinton, MA; nieces and nephew Donna Bruso, Kathleen Castro, Michael Whittemore, Mary Catherine O’Donoghue and Sheila O’Donoghue and cousins in Ireland. The last of four children, he was born in Worcester, a son of Cornelius and Mary (Moriarty) O’Donoghue. He is predeceased by his siblings, Stephen O’Donoghue, Shelia Whittemore and Cornelia Dillon.
Mr. O’Donoghue retired from the Webster School District as the Director of Special Education in 2003. He graduated from North High School and later received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Worcester State University, followed by a Master’s Degree and CAGS in Education from Assumption College.
Neil served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a medical corpsman. He enjoyed participation in the Webster and Oxford Lion’s Club for many years. He also was a beekeeper and spun honey which kept him busy and outdoors during his retired years. Among all past times, Neil loved woodworking and spent a lot of time in his basement creating something new and wonderful. He would often find opportunities to purchase a new tool for his next project. Neil was a soft-spoken gentleman who balanced his active hobbies with a predictable afternoon nap in his favorite chair. He loved his three grandchildren ferociously and would often spoil them with Dunkin Donuts.
Neil will be most remembered for his loyalty and love for Theresa, his quiet demeanor, attention to detail, and above all else his kindness. Neil was the quintessential good guy. He was the best Dad a kid could ask for. The world already misses him and could use a few more good guys like Neil.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to St. Peter’s Catholic Church (Worcester) Food Pantry or Medical Clinic, c/o 929 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., Worcester. The funeral will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 with a Mass at St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main St., Worcester at 10:30 A.M. followed by inurnment in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The funeral Mass will be live streamed by viewing Neil’s Memorial page on www.worcesterfuneral.com
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