Following is the obituary for BRENDAN JOSEPH DONOHUE, submitted for his family by the Harding Funeral Home.
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Brendan Joseph Donohoe, age 88, of Wilton and formerly of Westport, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2024.
Brendan was born Feb. 10, 1936, in Newry, Ireland. He was the son of the late Owen and Kathleen Donohoe, and was raised with five siblings. He completed his education with the Christian Brothers in Newry.
Brendan joined the Merchant Marines as a young man and traveled the world. He loved to recount those days and his many adventures.
He immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, settling in Westport, and began a career in the restaurant business serving as a maitre’d at many fine restaurants, including Chez Pierre.
Brendan was a lifelong history enthusiast, especially that of Ireland and the Celtic tribes; followed both political and financial news, and was an officer and investor in several gold mining firms.
His rituals included breakfast daily with friends at Orem Diner and a standing weekly lunch at the Sherwood Diner. He attended Mass every Sunday.
Brendan was an avid runner. He completed over 30 marathons throughout the United States.
Brendan is survived by his wife, Susan Butler; his siblings, Marie, Veronica, Kevin and Dermot; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Gigi. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Shelia Barr.
Visiting hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, Westport, on Wednesday, June 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial Mass will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima.
Fare thee well, my old friend Brendan Donohoe! I will miss you forever. The bounty of memories we made and shared together with the likes of Lise Connell, Jeanne Davis and Jo Fox Brosious will stay with me, ever green.
Two or three or four of us, sitting at our favorite table, late into the night, gazing out upon deserted Main Street. Snowy nights were the best. How many cigarettes dis some of us smoke? How many bottles of wine and other spirits did we empty to lubricate the countless debates and discussions?
Did I thank you enough for always treating me like royalty? Who was ever more gallant than you?
God Bless you and keep you! If there’s a Heaven, save me a seat at the table with Jeanne and Lise and set aside a bottle of the best until I join the party.
I will never forget you or fail to spill a drop for you before I sip from the cup myself.
What a joy it was to know you!