John Edmund Donoghue of Cape Coral, FL, formerly of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Tewksbury, MA, passed away suddenly on October 13th, 2026, at the age of 74.
Born in Winchester, MA, on May 4th, 1952, John moved to Manchester with his family in 1963 and graduated from Manchester Junior-Senior High School in 1970. He earned a horticulture degree from Essex Agricultural and Technical School and later transitioned to healthcare, earning a nursing degree from North Shore Community College.
John spent his early career working at the Coolidge Point estate, operating Magnuson's Greenhouse, and owning Cottage Flowers. He later dedicated many years as a psychiatric nurse and union president and representative at Tewksbury Hospital. In retirement, he moved to Florida, where he rekindled his passion for gardening and worked part-time as a travel nurse.
John was a proud lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts, serving as the respected Troop 3 Scoutmaster from 1995–2006 and receiving a dedication award in 2007. He had many interests including following New England sports teams, cooking, traveling, and politics. Above all, he loved and was incredibly proud of his family.
John was predeceased by his parents, Bernadette and Edmund Donoghue, and his brother, Matthew. He is survived by his daughter, Bridget Donoghue (Brian Beausoliel); his son, Kyle Donoghue; his granddaughter, Brittany Ramos (Rafael); great-grandchildren, Jayden and Isabella; his siblings, Ann Fuhrman, Eileen Shaughnessy, Mary Lilley, Andrew Donoghue and their spouses, and many loved nieces and nephews.
