Peter James Donahue, of Woburn, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 23rd at the Winchester Hospital. He was 75.
Born and raised in Somerville, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Bridget B. (Maher) Donahue. Peter graduated from the Don Bosco Technical High School, with the Class of 1960. After high school, Peter enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Peter was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on January 21, 1969. He later continued his education at Newbury Junior College earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. Peter was a proud union member with the Teamsters Local 25 and a dedicated truck driver. His truck driving career spanned over 35 years. He first drove for St. Johnsbury of Vermont and Cambridge and retired from New Penn.
In Peter’s spare time, he enjoyed being with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, playing cards, and taking car rides. Peter was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.
Peter was the beloved husband of Kathleen T. (Medairos) Donahue. They were married on April 24, 1965 at St. Joseph Church in Somerville. Together they shared 52 years of loving marriage. He was the devoted father of Elizabeth Gately of Malden, Kathleen Donahue of Boston, Patricia Shaughnessy and her husband Bryan of Braintree, and Maureen Donahue and her husband Michael Ruane of Newton. Peter was the loving grandfather of Katherine, Bridget and Hannah Gately, Matthew, and Daniel Shaughnessy, Maeve, Helen, and Thomas Ruane. He was the dear brother of Catherine Sutherland and her husband William of Reading, Michael Donahue and his wife Nancy of Chelmsford, and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Saturday, January 27th at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 262 Washington Street, Somerville, at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with interment and military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peter's name may be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.