Our Condolences to the Donahue Family

We join the Winthrop community in offering our condolences to the family of the late Robert “Doug” Donahue, who passed away Sunday. Mr. Donahue was the patriarch of a prominent and highly-regarded Winthrop family. Mr. Donahue served as a member of the Boston Police Department for 37 years before his retirement.

Mr. Donahue had nine children, 20 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. We know very well his sons, attorney Sean Donahue, who has distinguished himself in the field of law and as a hockey player and coach; and Robert Donahue, who has risen to the position of Massport Rescue and Fire Chief.

Mr. Donahue was proud of his many grandchildren, including Shannon Barker, who starred in basketball at Winthrop High and went to graduate from Harvard University; Chris Page, the former WHS hockey star who is now playing at Stonehill College; Charlie Page, who will be a captain of the 2016-17 WHS hockey team; and Victoria Donahue, a member of the WHS cheerleading squad.

The story of Doug Donahue, who raised his large family in a small house on Townsend Street on the Point, truly is an American success story of an era (the 1960s and 70s) that no longer exists in many respects. But one thing that has not changed over the decades is that love of family and of one’s community remains the key to a happy and successful life — and in that regard, Doug Donahue exemplified that to which all of us aspire.

Mr. Donahue was a popular and admired resident of this town for many years. He loved living in this town and attending the numerous local events and sports activities of his children and grandchildren. He reigned over a wonderful Winthrop family and he will be missed by all who met this terrific fellow.

We know we speak for of our fellow residents in offering our condolences to all of the members of the Donahue family upon their loss.