He lived a thousand lives in one
Obituary
Aidan was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (née Woodley) Donohoe for 35 years, and a devoted father to Aisling and Jack Donohoe. Born in 1964 to the late Michael and Maureen Donohoe, Aidan was the second youngest of ten children in a bustling Irish household.
Quiet, observant, and deeply kind, he had a lifelong love of Irish history, geography, and literature — passions that shaped his life and touched those around him. He grew up on the family farm, was an excellent footballer, and enjoyed causing mischief with his siblings.
In the early 1980s, Aidan bravely emigrated to New York City with friends he remained close with for life. It was there he met Jackie - a Dub - in a pub in the Bronx. That chance meeting sparked a lifelong partnership full of laughter, adventure, and mutual admiration. They spent nearly a decade in the city that never sleeps - working every kind of job, living fully, and catching live shows by musical legends like BB King, The Cure, and Bob Dylan, to name a few.
Despite his busy, eventful life, Aidan always made time to write home to his parents and siblings in Ireland. After the birth of their daughter Aisling, Aidan and Jackie moved back to Ireland, where they welcomed their son Jack. Aidan designed and built the family’s home by hand in Wexford.
In the early 2000s, they returned to Cape Cod, where Aidan started his own painting business and became a trusted, familiar face in the Cape Cod community. Aidan had a brilliant mind and a youthful spirit. He believed in standing up for what was right.
He loved Irish literature, music, and was a passionate sports fan — coaching his kids’ soccer teams and rooting for Manchester United, Cavan GAA, and the Boston teams he came to love.
He lived a thousand lives in one. He traveled across Italy, France, Spain, and all over Ireland. He enjoyed two cherished cabins in Maine — one in Waterford and one in Norway — journeyed to Big Sur, California, and later took on a thatched cottage in Co. Donegal, Ireland. Every place he touched was left warmer, brighter, and more full of life. Aidan will be remembered for his wit, strength, sharp intellect, quiet humility, and boundless love for his family. His spirit will live on in all who loved him.