AUBURN | John W. Donaghey, of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at home. Born in Syracuse on June 16, 1935, he was the son of William and Sarah Donaghey. Jack served in NYNG, the Army Security Agency and in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 16 years. He retired from Solvay Schools, as a senior bus mechanic. He previously worked as a driver for Byrne Dairy and owner/operator of Lakeland Mowers. Jack was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree Council 207. In 2005, he was named Knight of the Year; in addition, he chaired the Mentally Handicapped Fund Drive for 11 years. He was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church. Jack was predeceased by his son, John Donaghey Jr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, former Kathleen A. McKinley; daughter, Deborah (Brent) Chidsey, of Genoa; son, Michael (Valleri) Donaghey, of Clarksville, Tenn.; granddaughters, Brittnie, Hillary, Amy and McKenzie; grandsons, Buddy and Wayne and two great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to call from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the Heieck-Pelc Funeral Home, 42 E. Genesee St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at St. Alphonsus Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St Alphonsus Church food pantry.
