John A. Donegan

> It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John A. Donegan of Matawan, New Jersey on September 5, 2022.  John is predeceased by his loving wife, Anita Donegan (Thiele), his beloved daughter, Mary Beth Donegan and his sister Agnes Donegan. John is survived by his devoted daughters Kathleen Haakon (Mike), Maggie Spence (Lance) and Kristine O'Hara and Son-in-Law, Steven Swenson, cherished grandchildren, Colin and Lauren Haakon, Kate Lynn and Erin Spence and Meara O'Hara. He also leaves his sisters; Elizabeth Maurer, Patricia Donegan and Rosemary Pribila (Jack).
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> John was born in Neptune, NJ on November 9, 1941, son of Agnes (McCaffery) and John Donegan.  He grew up in Jersey City and graduated from St.Michael's High School in 1959.  John is a veteran of the United States Air Force, 1961-1965 Active Duty, honorably discharged in 1965 and Inactive Reserve 1965 - 1967.  He was stationed at 3407 School Squadron, Kessler AFB, Mississippi, 907 Radar Squadron, Bucks Harbor, Maine and 680 80th Radar Squadron, Palermo, New Jersey.
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> John's dream was to be a New Jersey State Trooper and he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in 1971. He was assigned as a Trooper in Central NJ., serving at several different stations. He received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice  from Brookdale in 1995 and retired as a Sergeant in 1996.  After retiring from the State Police, John served as a substitute teacher in Matawan School District and was also a longtime employee of the Crocker Fire Drill Company where he enjoyed his position as a Safety Inspector.  He also spent many hours aboard his boat, "Irish Alibi", with his family. 
John has belonged to St. Clement's Church, Matawan, since 1968.  He was a member of St. Clement's Holy Name Society and Seniors Club. He was also a member of American Legion Post 0023, Knights of Columbus and the Association of Former NJ State Troopers.
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>John was an avid reader, Giants fan and loved his Keurig machine but John's greatest joy was his 5 grandchildren.  He always had a "Grandpa" shirt or hat on.  He was their friend and partner in crime, rarely saying 'no".   He was so proud of each one.  
 

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