Douglas Donahue

Douglas Donahue, 94, of Norwell, passed peacefully on February 12, 2017 after a seven year struggle with Alzheimer's.  He was surrounded by the love of family and friends. He lived his  early years in Jamaica Plain,  the son of  Isabelle Cairns Donahue and Joseph Joyce Donahue  and brother of Robert Joyce  and David Cairns. He was an avid sailor, accomplished equestrian and lifelong swimmer.  He and his wife Dorothy cherished enjoyable years on their sailboat "Aegis" and at their family cottage on Panther Pond in Maine. He will be remembered for pride in his Irish heritage, passion for adventure and irreverent sense of humor.  

Douglas was a 1941 graduate of the Roxbury Latin School and 1945 graduate of Dartmouth College. He served in the US Marine Corp V-12 program and saw duty in the Pacific. Following his military service he spent a career in the wool business and operated the firm Donahue- Draper Corp for many years.

He leaves his devoted wife Dorothy of 69 years and loving family; Douglas (Digger) Aidan Jr (Susan) of Norwell, Darby Ann (deceased), David Alexander (Sue) of Mansfield, Duncan Andrew (Tom Fortier) of Charlestown; Dale Alison O'Brien (John) of Darien CT, Daphne Alexandra Hoffman (Peter) of Brightwaters, NY. He was the grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters.

Visiting hours will be Friday, March 10, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St, (off Rte 123, near the State Police Barracks, Norwell Center). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday March 11 at 10am at St Helen's Church, 383 Washington St, Norwell.

Donation in lieu of flowers may be made in Douglas' memory to the Norwell VNA & Hospice, 120 Longwater Dr, Norwell, MA 02061.

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