Robert Michael Donahue

Died in Petaluma on September 17, 2025, days after a fall in his home in Calaveras County. Born at home in 1932 in Chicago to John and Bernice “MeMe” (Barker), he received his certification in 1950 from Chicago Vocational High School (a school of more than 4,000 boys). Over 50 years later, he was invited back to be inducted into the All-Chicago Hall of Fame for Basketball. He attended Beloit College on a basketball scholarship, where he met his future wife, Marlene Brehmer. After graduation, Bob served in the Army in Puerto Rico. and returned to Illinois to earn the first of two Masters' Degrees. Bob began his teaching career at North Boone Consolidated High School in Poplar Grove, IL, where he taught History and Spanish, coached basketball and cross-country, and drove the school bus. In 1965, he brought his young family to Petaluma, where for over 27 years, he served in various roles-- as a classroom teacher, a career counselor, and most notably for several years as varsity basketball coach, at Petaluma High. He was a life-long lover of golf, as well as co-founder and participant with several friends in the annual "Mini-Masters" Golf Tournament.

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 59 years, Marlene, siblings John, Jr. and Nancy (Terpening), and nephew Richard Donahue. He is survived by daughter Kathleen (Guy Peterson), son Rev. William Donahue, and several nieces, including Barbara Jo Jakovich of Crown Point, IN. Bob had a great capacity for friendship, many lasting over 80 years which, one by one, at nearly 93, he outlived. He is also survived by Doug Johnson, his PHS brother in coaching and closest friend. He was known for his Chicago street smarts, understated demeanor, and gift for coaching young men in sports as well as for life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church; 35 Liberty Street in Petaluma and a reception will follow. Private interment will take place at a later date at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Murphys, CA. Memorial donations may be made to the Petaluma Educational Foundation, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, or a favorite charity.