Obituary: Joseph Vincent Donaldson, 81

Joseph “Big Joe” Vincent Donaldson went peacefully to heaven on Sunday, Dec. 09, 2012. He was 81.

Joseph, born March 16, 1931, was known for his humor and sharp wit. A lifelong resident of Rockland County, Joseph attended Saint Peter’s School in Haverstraw, NY. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Hague Donaldson, on Sept. 25, 1954.

Joseph devoted his life to raising his family, and spent many years as a youth baseball and football coach. He worked for New York Trap Rock, Clarkstown Highway Department, and the Recreation Department, retiring after 28 years of service.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Carolyn, children, Carolyn Donaldson Knowles (Richard), Robert Donaldson (Patricia), and Karen Donaldson (Jeffrey). Joe was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Joseph and Brian Donaldson, Richelle and Richard Knowles, and Kimberlyn and Kelsey Frost. Grandpa Joe was a great- grandfather of six. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Babcock, and brother, William Gorman.

Joseph was strong-willed and his greatest pride was his family. He proved that age and difficulties in health should not be an obstacle to the pursuit of one's interests and passions. Joseph's pastime was working in his yard, tending to his pool, and he had an extensive collection of cherished tools (if anyone touched them he would know). Joseph’s wish was to visit California and he fulfilled this dream last spring, which he reminisced about often. 

Family will receive guests at Saint John’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 365 Strawtown Road, New City, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s name may be made to Saint John’s Episcopal Church or Hi-Tor Animal Shelter.