David Donohue

David P. Donohue NORFOLK - Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David P. Donohue passed away peacefully at home in the company of family on Oct. 31, 2010. Adm. Donohue served 40 years in the Navy and first called Hampton Roads home when he assumed command of Norfolk Naval Shipyard. From 1980 to 1983 he put into practice a lifetime of preparation to lead the shipyard to excellence through the efforts of the fine working men and women of Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Adm. Donohue regarded the shipyard as a key element of our nation's defense strategy to overwhelm the Soviet Union's industrial capability and he ensured that each and every military and civilian member of the shipyard team understood they were involved in a noble calling. Adm. Donohue led the shipyard with profound belief in the dignity of work, the dignity of the individual, and respect for how tough shipyard work can be. His motivating principle was to ensure that men and women worked in an environment free of harassment and discrimination, were given proper tools and training, and were made fully aware of how each contributes to not only organizational goals, but also to the cause of our nation. Further, that each was able to achieve their best in his or her work and private life. Adm. Donohue was most proud of the shipyard when in 1982 it was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation (first shipyard ever to receive NUC), the FY 81/82 Productivity Excellence Award (best of eight shipyards), and the Chief of Naval Material Command EO/EEO award for FY 81/82 (Best Program of Large Industrial Activities). Upon leaving Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Adm. Donohue served on the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (director of Fleet Maintenance) until his retirement in January 1989. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and various campaign and unit awards. He is a past recipient of the Navy League's annual John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership and the Federally Employed Women Inc. annual Distinguished Service Award. Following retirement, Adm. Donohue was employed by the Jonathan Corporation of Norfolk where he successively held positions as engineering manager, Aircraft Carrier Phased Maintenance Program manager, and vice president and shipyard general manager. In 1995, he moved to Integrated Systems Analysts Inc. where he headed the Ship Systems Engineering Branch in Norfolk. He then moved to Thermal Spray and Machine, Inc., in 2002 as corporate technical director where he worked until his retirement earlier this year. Adm. Donohue maintained numerous professional affiliations, the most significant of which were American Society of Naval Engineers (52 years), Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (44 years) and American Society for Quality Control (27 years). Although never truly retired from professional life, Adm. Donohue enjoyed the company of family and friends as he and Dolores maintained an active social life with the Virginia Opera Association, Virginia Stage Company, and the other many cultural offerings of Hampton Roads. They also traveled to see family every year in Europe, Texas and North Carolina, and were devoted members of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Adm. Donohue is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dolores, and by five children and seven grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk today, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his memory to his alma mater, Regis High School, Attn.: Development Office, 55 E. 84th St., New York, NY 10028. Regis High School offers a tuition-free Jesuit college preparatory education to Roman Catholic young men from the New York metropolitan area who demonstrate superior intellectual and leadership potential. Donations in Adm. Donohue's memory to any other charitable foundation are also most welcome. H.D. Oliver Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.