Neil J. Donoghue

Neil J. Donoghue, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3rd with his loving family by his side. He was born in Worcester on October 7th, 1945, the son of Cornelius and Florence (Bissonnette) Donoghue.

Neil was a 1965 graduate of Worcester Junior College and a 1980 graduate of the School of Industrial Management at WPI. He also served in the United States Marine Reserves from 1965 to 1971.

Neil started his career at Heald Machine Company (Cincinnati Milacron) in Worcester, MA, continued with Fellows Corporation in Springfield, VT and retired from Spincraft in Billerica, MA. During his decorated career, he was named to boards and committees, such as President of the American Institute of Plant Engineers, Trustee of Central New England College, member of the Indian Lake Watershed Commission, and many others. He also earned prestigious awards such as Plant Engineer of the Year. 

On October 14th, 1967, he married the love of his life, Judith Bagurskas. In addition to his wife, whom he affectionately called “My Judy”, he is survived by his four daughters and their husbands – Christine and Kenneth Mulry of Rutland, Sheila and Glen Taylor of Baldwinville, Kathleen and Christopher Moran of Rutland, and Julie and Stephen Zerfas of Reading. 

He is also survived by six granddaughters, Colleen & her husband Tanner, Alyssa, Lauren, Kelly, Amelia and Kayla. In addition, he leaves behind a sister, Sheila (Richard) Ethier, a brother, Robert Donoghue, two sisters-in-law – Jean (Edward) Urbanowski & Joan Bagurskas – and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and his parents-in-law (Lawrence & Julia Brennen), he is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Donoghue, and nephews, Francis and Eddie Urbanowski. 

Calling hours are Monday, July 8th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday, July 9th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. It is suggested that friends go directly to the church for the Mass. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Rutland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Patrick’s Parish Capital Campaign, P.O. Box 939, Rutland, MA  01543, or any charity of your choice, in his name.