Philip G. Donohoe

PLEASE NOTE THAT SERVICE TIMES HAVE CHANGED

Updated Service Information:                                            

Viewing: Thursday, June 26th, 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Kuzo Funeral Home

Viewing: Friday, June 27th, 9:45AM to 11:45AM at ABVM

Mass: Friday, June 27th, 12:00PM at ABVM

Interment: Friday, June 27th after Mass at St. Patrick Cemetery 

Philip Gerard Donohoe, or “Phil” as he was known to his friends and family, passed away peacefully in Jennersville, Pennsylvania on June 18th, 2025. Phil was born on November 30th, 1931, in West Chester, Pennsylvania and was the son of Joseph Gerard Donohoe and Frances (née Mowery) Donohoe.

Phil is predeceased by his wife Barbara “Bobbie” Louise (née Wilson) Donohoe. Phil and Bobbie spent 64 wonderful years of marriage together before her passing in 2016. Together, they are survived by a legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phil and Bobbie had two children together, Michael G. Donohoe (Terri) of Landenberg, PA and Jane L. Henry (David) of West Grove, PA. He is also survived by two of his six siblings, Sister Mary of the Holy Face of Brooklyn, NY, and Joseph G. Donohoe, Jr. of Lewes, DE, and predeceased by his siblings Helen Brown, Gerard Donohoe, James Donohoe, and Rita Pannell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lauren M. LaMack (William) of Brooklyn, NY, Sarah E. LaMack (Joshua) of Kennett Square, PA, Jacquilyn M. Donohoe (Matthew) of Landenberg, PA, Phillip M. Donohoe (Rose) of Kirkwood, PA, Joshua B. Whann (Amy) of Kearneysville, WV, David M. Henry, Jr. (Meredith) of Kennett Square, PA, and Benjamin P. Henry (Kelsey) of Wilmington, DE. Phil was also delighted to meet and spend time with his young great-grandchildren in recent years, Davin, Oliver, Lyla, Hannah, and Grace. He is also missed by his dear friend, Dee.

Raised in Kennett Square, Phil graduated from Kennett High School in 1949 and was a proud founding member and Vice President of the Kennett High School Alumni Association, demonstrating early on his commitment to the places that shaped him. He was a United States Army Veteran and served during the Korean War, stationed with the 208th Military Police of Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and later with the First Guard Company of Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Phil was a deeply respected member of the mushroom farming community of Chester County, known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” where he owned and operated his own farm for nearly three decades. Later, he worked in sales and public relations for Mushroom Supply Company, which gave him the opportunity to travel with Bobbie throughout the United States and Canada. They enjoyed their travels and connecting with new people, often bringing home souvenirs and stories that delighted their family and friends. Eventually Phil purchased the supply portion of the business, which he operated out of Toughkenamon near his family, including his grandchildren who were always eager to stop by to “help” or check out the “cool equipment.”

Faith was a cornerstone of Phil’s life. A devout Catholic, he was an active member of Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Hockessin, DE where he served on the Pastoral Council including two years as President, a Eucharistic Minister, a Catechesis for Eucharistic Minister, and an usher. Later he moved to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parrish where he became involved with the Knights of Columbus Council Saint Pius X, the Usher Ministry, and the Memorial Committee. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight and served as Grand Knight on two occasions. Phil also founded the senior group the “Sages of Saint Mary’s,” where he served as the co-chair for many years, reflecting his desire to lift the spirits of his friends at every stage of life.

Phil’s dedication to public service and activism extended far beyond the church, and he spent his life striving to make his community a better place for all of his neighbors. During the fifty years he lived in New Garden Township, he served as the Building Permit Officer and the Code Enforcement Officer, roles where he adopted the BOCA Building Code, ensuring safe standards for buildings throughout the community for generations to come. As the Township’s very first Emergency Management Coordinator, he led the development of the new property numbering system that dramatically improved 911 emergency response safety across Southern Chester County.

Phil’s commitment to public safety was unwavering. He was an active member of both the West Grove and Hockessin Fire Companies and a longtime member of the Avondale Fire Company, where he served as Treasurer and President. Additionally, he was a member of the Fire Police, where he served as Captain for several years.

Phil and Bobbie moved to Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in 1999, where he lived for over 26 years and became a treasured mainstay. He remained a tireless advocate for his neighbors and was active on the Resident’s Council, where he served as President for three years. He contributed to various councils and clubs, such as safety/security, woodshop, landscaping, dining, parking, sustainability, anniversary, BCF, Employee Emergency Fund, and more. As both a leader and a man always willing to lend a hand, Phil remained a devoted servant to his community through the end of his life.

With his dry humor and quick wit, Phil could always be counted on to deliver the perfect joke with impeccable timing. He lit up every party he attended and, as evidenced by his accomplishments, added invaluable knowledge to any community gathering. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, generous man who would drop anything to help a friend. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extensive network of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will remember him for his loyal support in all aspects of their lives. Phil was a man who did not judge, he did not lecture, he simply loved the people in his life with all of his heart and a steadiness that never wavered. He was the type of man who would notice you, pull you aside, and remind you, “your life is yours to live.”

Phil was an impeccably organized man and he compiled copious amounts of history about the places and people he treasured. His descendants are grateful for both the sentimental records of his family and the meticulous records of his life’s work, which allowed them to write this tribute to his legacy. Phil truly lived his values and exemplified the meaning of service – he dedicated his entire life to faith, family, friendship, and the well-being of others. The value and impact that his life has had on countless people and organizations cannot be overstated. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and his impact on our lives will extend far beyond the years he spent here with us.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. A second viewing will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 9:45AM to 11:45AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 300 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00PM. At the conclusion of mass, interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions in honor of Phil may be made to the Knights of Columbus c/o Assumption BVM Church at 300 State Road, West Grove PA, 19390 or to the Employees Emergency Fund c/o Jenner’s Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA, 19390.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.