Obituary of Robert M. Donahue

Robert M. Donahue, aged 91, passed peacefully Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford, NY with family at his side. Robert (Bob) was born in Johnson City, NY in 1923. He was a proud graduate of J.C.H.S., honorable veteran of the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving in WWII and was a salesman for Warner Lambert where his hard work, honesty, humor and charisma gained him many loyal clients over 34 years. Bob reveled in competitive sports. He excelled at tennis, golf, running, skiing and was a longtime YMCA member, which was always part of his routine and near to his heart. When he could do these activities with close friends or family, he relished the time even more. Still, he had no problem teaching the hot shot challengers a lesson, nor bragging about it afterward to anyone who would listen. In his retirement years, he was well known to support any and all of the local sports teams and events, from the professionals to the youngsters. He particularly enjoyed high school sports and truly had an eye for talent. As Dad, he remained a devout member of St. Thomas Aquinas in Binghamton, which certainly helped in his role as devout family man. He is survived by his wife, Claire, of 65 years, who he lovingly called, Red. Together they raised three beautiful, loving and close children, Patricia, James and Janice, who all have cared for each other the way family should. Patty and Kevin Burns of Binghamton presented him with three grandchildren, Carolynn, Jennifer and Kevin. Jim and Carol Donahue of Connecticut officially made him a great-grandfather with their first of two granddaughters, while Jan and Gary Muehlbauer of Johnson City rewarded him with grandchildren, Ryan and Amy. The majority of his grandchildren have started families of their own, allowing Bob to be so blessed as to enjoy 9 great-grandchildren altogether. Grandpa derived some of his most fruitful moments from spending time with us grandchildren. And we knew we had it good with his overflowing spoils of Chiclets and chewing gum from Warner Lambert, his hearty support in every single one of our many local sporting events, musical recitals and various other achievements and celebrations, or just simply from his making us laugh and love him more and more. Everyone who knew him could count on him for a good laugh, but he was much more than a comedian. As an actor he was in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. He just had a small role. We mentioned his athletic ability. While in the Air Forces he competed as a boxer. They called him "Kid Candle". One blow and he was out! As a golfer he always wore two pair of pants, just in case he got a hole in one. Although he did in fact have two hole in ones, could dance around a court or dance floor like a jitterbug and act out many a role, it's clear that his talent for making us laugh was his most natural. The great number of those that adored him as Bob, their close friend, can attest to that, but what's more is how well we all know how intimately he loved each one of us. It's hard to recall ever the absence of a tear in his eye any of the countless times he told us so. Although he undoubtedly entertained the staff at the Oxford Veterans Home, we would be remiss not to express how grateful we are to the entire staff for their gracious, tender and heartfelt care. We are blessed to have called you his caregivers and to have your gentle hand in continuing to care for his old pal and living wife, Red. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Highland Avenue, Binghamton Tuesday at 10 a.m. Private Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Monday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be made to the YMCA of Broome County, the Alzheimer's Association or the NYS Veterans Home at Oxford.