William E. Donahue, age 86, affectionately known to all as “Brother”, of Brockton, passed away peacefully at his home on February 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Martha S. (Sage) Donahue, his children, Cindy Cassidy and her husband Peter of Raynham and Laurence Lamphere of Florida and pre-deceased by Carl “Skipper” Lamphere and Christopher “Harry” Lamphere. He leaves seven loving grandchildren, Mary, Keith, Christie, Marrissa and Kayleigh all of Florida and Colin Cantrell and his wife Lauren and Kyle Cantrell and his wife Kerri of Raynham, several great grandchildren.
Born and raised in Brockton, he was the son of the late Walter E. and Gertrude M. (Thibeault) Donahue and had two sisters Gertrude Richards and the late Kathleen Shea.
Brother served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 before his honorable discharge. He graduated from Massasoit Community College, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Brother went on to service the City of Brockton as a police officer for thirty years before retiring.
He had a passion for golf and was a member of both the Thorny Lea Golf Club and Countryside Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida.
His family and friends will remember Brother for his outgoing and carefree personality. He was fair, warm, and compassionate and was well-known in the City. Most importantly, his family meant everything to him, and he enjoyed all the time he spent with them.
To honor his family’s wishes, Brother’s interment with military honors in Pine Hill Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.