Obituary: Retired Probate Judge John E. Donegan, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

John E. Donegan, attorney and retired Probate Judge of Branford, died peacefully at his home after a brief illness in Branford, Thursday June 16, 2016, surrounded by his family.

He was the beloved husband of Betty Ann Cacace Donegan. Mr. Donegan was born in New Haven February 19, 1942, son of the late Harold and Mary Sullivan Donegan. He was a 1966 graduate of the University of Connecticut Law School and a proud graduate of the College of the Holy Cross (1963).

John loved meeting and connecting with Holy Cross alumni, from classmates to recent grads, and had an easy rapport with his fellow Crusaders.

He practiced law in Branford for 50 years and was a partner in the law firm of Gibson & Donegan, LLC. He had served as the Probate Judge of Branford for 20 years until retiring, a position he was honored to hold and a duty he performed with great compassion and integrity.

John was active in the Branford community, serving as a member of the RTM and the Board of Finance, was a founding member, past president and secretary of the Branford Community Foundation, past president of the Pine Orchard Association, and longtime member and past president of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. John loved to golf, and spent much of his precious downtime on the course.

Softball was another, earlier passion of his, both as a player for the long-enduring Betty's Store team and as a dedicated and patient coach for his daughters' teams.

He enjoyed traveling, and was happy to finally have the time to join his family on several recent trips. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (William) Dietz, and Christine Donegan, both of Branford; his grandchildren, Nathan and Julia Dietz; his brother Harold C. Donegan of New Haven, and his twin sister, Anne Kraemer of Washington, D. C. and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Mary Acunto of Madison. His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to friends and family for the outpouring of love and support and to the dedicated and compassionate care givers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Hospice.

Relatives and friends may call Tuesday evening from 4 – 8 PM, with remembrances given at 7:30 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the John E. Donegan Fund at the Branford Community Foundation, P. O. Box 462, Branford, CT 06405.