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McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Norwell

30 Central St

Norwell, Massachusetts

DOUGLAS DONAHUE Obituary

DONAHUE, Douglas US Marine Corps 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, 2-4pm and 6-8pm 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. For an online guest book, please visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for DOUGLAS DONAHUE

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6 Entries

November 13, 2017

I just saw this. I worked for Donahue-Draper for 5 years when the company was first on Summer Street in 3 separate locations. He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to work with each day. Sympathies to his family. Christine Smith Pimentel

March 10, 2017

My deepest condolences to Douglas' family. Douglas was truly a good man, a good friend and kindred spirit. Wherever he is, he will bring joy and happiness to those around him just as he did to all those who knew him. Richard Parnell Barry.

The FTD Eternal Affection Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Maroa Velez

February 28, 2017

Losing a loved one is very hard. I know he is in a better place yet am sure you will miss him every day. May your fond memories bring you comfort during these difficult times. Warmest regards, Maroa

Connie

February 24, 2017

May the God of comfort be with you at this time

Jon Carson

February 14, 2017

The end of an era. Such fond memories of his (extremely) dry wit, times on Aegis, politically incorrect commentary (thinking he might have a thing or two to say about our current President), and the list goes on.

Condolences to the Donahue clan. He will be missed.

jc

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Memorial Events
for DOUGLAS DONAHUE

Mar

10

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Norwell

30 Central St P.O. Box 327, Norwell, MA 02061

Mar

10

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Norwell

30 Central St P.O. Box 327, Norwell, MA 02061

Mar

11

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St Helen's Church

383 Washington St, Norwell, MA

Funeral services provided by:

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Norwell

30 Central St P.O. Box 327, Norwell, MA 02061

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