Edwin Carlton Donaghy Jr.

Edwin Carlton Donaghy, Jr. ., age 88, died May 7, of pulmonary disease, at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is survived by Sophie Bell Donaghy, his loving wife, their son, Edwin C. (Peter) Donaghy, III, of London England, their grand daughter, Hayley, and their great grandson, Edwin C. Donaghy, IV, of Cardiff, Wales. Mr. Donaghy was born on September 25, 1923 to Ada H. Delany and Edwin C. Donaghy and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He attended The Haverford School before graduating from St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1942. Following graduation he enrolled at Yale University. Mr. Donaghy left Yale University to serve in the Army Air Force, 315th Fighter Squadron E.T.O. (European Theater of Operations), from 1943 to 1946, ending his service as First Lieutenant. Mr. Donaghy's distinguished Air Force service included flying 37 missions in P-47 Thunderbolt attack planes, against German and Axis forces. Mr. Donaghy graduated from Yale in 1950 having been a member of the Fence Club, the Haunt Club and Book and Snake. On graduating from Yale, Mr. Donaghy, began work at Delany & Co., an industrial adhesives business founded by his grandfather in Philadelphia. The business was sold in 1957. In 1959 Mr. Donaghy joined PNC Bank, serving eventually as Vice President in the Investment Management Division of the Trust Department. Mr. Donaghy's distinguished service included providing many of the bank's largest family and institutional clients with estate and financial planning advice. Mr. Donaghy retired from the bank in 1993. Mr. Donaghy was a member of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, The Courts, Merion Cricket Club and Gulph Mills Golf Club. In Vero Beach, Florida, where Mr. and Mrs. Donaghy spent time in a home they owned there, Mr. Donaghy was a member of Riomar Country Club and the Moorings Club. Mr. and Mrs. Donaghy were long-time summer vacationers in Prouts Neck, Maine, where they were members of the Prouts Neck Country Club. Mr. Donaghy's life-long interest in history led to his membership in the Sons of the Revolution, and in golf, to the US Senior Golf Association. He served on the Board of Directors of the Seaman's Church Institute of Philadelphia and St. Christopher's Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Mr. Donaghy's proudest service was his long involvement with St. George's School. He was Class Agent and a long-term member of the Board of Trustees. His service was recognized in 2007 when he received the Howard B. Dean award for his service to the School. Mr. Donaghy had lost his father during a family trans-Atlantic journey on the Queen Elizabeth in 1938, and he felt that the school provided the support and character-building that shaped his life. He wanted to help the school bring such high quality formative education to all of its students over the generations. Eddie was known for his quick smile, infectious laugh and affection for others. A trusted and loyal friend to many individuals and organizations, his playful spirit and love of family and friendships will be deeply missed. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews who held a very special place in his heart. A memorial service will be held on May 21 at The Church of the Redeemer, Bryn Mawr at noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Children's Hospital, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4399 or St George's School. PO Box 1910, Newport, Rhode Island, 02840-0190