John R. Doncaster, a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away surrounded by his devoted family at home on Saturday, April 01, 2017, he was 76. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late John R. and Doris (Johnston) Doncaster-Walsh. A graduate of Somerville High School with the Class of 1958, John proudly served in the US Army and was a research specialist with the Polaroid Corp, retiring with over 30 years of service.

John was especially devoted to Somerville Athletics. He was a founding member of Somerville Youth Hockey, first elected as Vice President and then serving as President. For many years, he also served as coach of the Somerville High School Hockey and Girls Softball teams. He was elected to the Mass State Hockey Coaches Association and inducted into their Hall of Fame. John was also an associate member of the Logan Post and for 40 years enjoyed time spent on the links as a member of the Polaroid Golf League.  His commitment and dedication to the youth of Somerville is remembered by the many athletes that benefited from his 45 years of service as not only a coach, but a mentor as well.

John was the beloved husband of 53 years to Dorothy (MacElhiney) Doncaster. He was a devoted father of Paul Doncaster of Weymouth, Jill DiMare and her husband Dan of Reading and Lynne Doncaster and her husband Noah Sheola of Somerville. Cherished “Gramp” of Michael, David, John and Daniel DiMare, Eleanor and Margaret Doncaster and Eli Sheola. Dear brother of Fran Doncaster and his wife Margaret, Maureen Cronin and her husband Stephen all of Somerville, MaryEllen Harding and her husband Glen of Medford, Thomas Walsh and his wife Kathleen of Beverly, Joan Shea and her husband Patrick of Arlington. Many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends also survive him.

Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday morning at 10:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church, Cambridge at 11:00AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Calling Hours Tuesday 4:00pm-8:00pm. Burial at the National Cemetery, Bourne will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to a Scholarship Fund in his name,  c/o Middlesex Federal Bank, 1 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02144 or to Good Shepherd Hospice, 90 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459