WAYLAND: Donald Donahue, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, surrounded by his children. He was the devoted husband of the late Sylvie “Sibi” Donahue. He was the brother of the late Gertrude, John and Edward. He was the son of Mary and James Donahue and grew up in Lawrence. He graduated from Phillips Andover Academy in 1937 and was awarded the Yale Cup for excellence in academics and athletics. He graduated from Harvard College in 1941. He was a member of the Harvard Glee Club and Captain of the track team, setting records that held for 25 years. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1950. During World War II, he was a navigator and pilot in the Army Air Corps and made the Air Force his career for 30 years. In 1967, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States”. This was in recognition of his work as Chief, Air Defense Management Support Team while assigned to the Military Assistance Advisory Group attached to the US Embassy in Japan, 1964-1966. Don was a gifted pianist. He enjoyed curling and was an active member and past president of the Broomstones Curling club. He was also a “charter member of the Elite Breakfast Crew” at Mel’s Café.
He is survived by his children, Paul Donahue and his wife Neill of Weston, Joan and her husband Denis Byrne of Winchester, Terry and her husband Peter Finefrock of Berea, Ohio; grandchildren, Casey and her husband Dan Ladd, Ryan Donahue and his wife Sara, Brian Byrne and his wife Katie, Darin Byrne and his wife Molly, Kate Finefrock and Cori Finefrock; great-grandchildren, Ella and Trevor Ladd and Beckett Byrne.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date. Contributions in his name may be made to the Parmenter Wayside Hospice, 266 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home. For online condolences visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.