Gerard L. "Rod" Donohue

Gerard L. "Rod" Donohue, 55, of Morganton, NC died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the Burke Palliative Care Center. Born in Hartford County, CT on May 19, 1956, he made his home in Morganton, NC for the past 35 years.He was the son of Stephen M. Donohue of Andover, CT and the late Mary K. Clemens Donohue. In addition to his father, Rod is survived by his siblings, Sheila D. Johnston of Asheville, NC, Michael T. Donohue and wife, Carole, of Cincinnati, OH, Stephen J. Donohue and wife, Romina, of Newton, MA, Thomas W. Donohue and wife, Kristin, of Windsor, CT, and Brigid M. Donohue and husband, Paul Chill, of Andover; seventeen nieces and nephews; and other extended family. In addition to his mother, Rod was also preceded in death by his sister, Maureen A. Donohue.A member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Rod dedicated himself to special education. He moved in many communities. ADA compliance, Adaptive Recreation, and ASL communication were a few of his passions. Rod was an avid reader, world traveler and lover of the arts. He will be missed greatly by those who have been inspired by his spirit and his life. Rod is beloved and remembered as a son, brother, uncle, friend and role model.The funeral Mass will be held at noon, Saturday, October 22, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the church and again in the morning from 10:00 a.m. until the noon, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at St. Charles, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655, Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, or to a charity of one?s choice.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.