Robert P. Donahue, Sr., 80, of Bellingham, MA passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 4, 2021. The son of the late John F. and Loretta (Baker) Donahue, he was predeceased by his brother Francis John Donahue of Auburn, MA. Bob was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School and the College of the Holy Cross. He was a 1962 ROTC Naval graduate, serving honorably as a Lieutenant in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maryanne E.(O’Connor) Donahue, of Bellingham and their three children: Attorney Michael B. Donahue and his wife Joanne Donahue of Wrentham; Robert D. McDonagh and his wife Dr. Joan McDonagh of Medway; and Anne M. Donahue-Boddy and her husband Attorney Charles D. Boddy, Jr. of Bellingham. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Seán D. Boddy, Aidan P. Donahue, Fiona P. McDonagh, Brendan C. Donahue and Michael C.D. Boddy.
A long-time communicant and choir member of Saint Brendan’s Parish, Bellingham, he remained active in Bellingham as both an elected School Committee member and as an appointed member of the Bellingham Historical Commission. He was a co-founder of the Bellingham Friends of Music, a frequent performer in the annual fundraiser, Bellingham Blackouts, a member of the Bellingham Permanent School Building Committee, the Bellingham School Budget Review Committee, and was a member of the Assabet Valley Master Singers. A supporter of performing arts and sports, Bob took great pleasure in the many musical, sport, or theater activities of his grandchildren. He loved his time on Cape Cod and his many trips abroad. He was an avid gardener.
Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, a private (family) Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, February 8th at Saint Brendan’s Church in Bellingham, MA.
Burial will be at the Bourne National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either the American Cancer Society 3 Speen Street, Framingham ,MA 01701 or the Saint Brendan Parish Scholarship Fund 384 Hartford Ave. Bellingham, MA 02019.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).