Brian DONAHUE Obituary

DONAHUE, Brian It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of Brian Donahue of St. Petersburg, FL. He died of natural causes at his home Sunday, April 19, 2020. He was 52. Brian was the loving son of Joan and Tom Donahue of Yardley, PA; brother to Tom and his wife, Kathy of Doylestown, PA and Mike and his wife, Janis of Yardley, PA. Brian also thought the world of his nephews, Michael of Charlotte, NC, Patrick of Pittsburgh, PA, Ryan of Alexandria, VA; and niece, Jessica of Philadelphia, PA. Brian was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School. He went on to work as an electrical contractor for several years while earning his certification from the Penn State University Electrical Apprenticeship Program. At the age of 26, Brian decided to pursue his passion for the water at Coastal Carolina University, CCU, and graduated with a degree in Marine Geology. After graduation, Brian moved to St. Petersburg, FL and earned his Master's degree in Marine Geophysics from the University of South Florida, USF, College of Marine Science. During his time at both CCU and USF, Brian was instrumental in the education and mentoring of many young students. Brian traveled the oceans and continents of the world mapping the seafloor and conducting research expeditions for the USGS and USF, including acting as chief scientist for research on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. Brian went on to form his own company, Marine Geophysical Solutions, and consulted with numerous companies on waterway, pipeline and archaeological studies. As a boy, Brian loved fishing and camping with his grandfather, Jack Possessky, in Schuylkill County, PA. In his adult years, Brian enjoyed scuba diving, including the Great Barrier Reef, helping friends and family with electrical or construction projects, giving advice to his nephews and niece, whether asked for or not, and sharing a good bottle of red while hanging out with long time friends, Robyn Conmy and Joe Brennan. Final celebrations of Brian's life in Pennsylvania and Florida are still pending and will be announced at a later date.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Apr. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian DONAHUE

5 Entries

Mark Hafen

December 26, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, my thoughts, for some reason, are of the many friends and family who have passed in recent years. And Brian is chief among them. He was my closest friend during grad school. We did all of our field work together-I towed the boat, he drove the boat-and spent many research cruises together on USF´s and other institutions´ vessels. His passing was a shock to all of the USF Marine Science family, and I miss him so much, to this day. I hope Brian´s family has found peace knowing how beloved he was to so many of us. And I hope Brian, too, is at peace.

Caryn Self Sullivan

April 20, 2022

Thinking of Brian on the Anniversary of his passing. Hoping that his family and friends are doing well and continue to celebrate his wonderful life, short though it was.

Nancy DeWitt

May 14, 2020

Very sorry for the loss of your family member! I too knew Brian when he arrived in St. Pete and took classes with him in Grad school! He was always fun and helpful! I recall Brian teaching me to load a boat onto a trailer in Frenchman's creek sooo many years ago! Lots of laughs and jabs - like a big brother coaching his little sister :) ! Good times. Shocking to hear, may his soul find peace and happiness! Prayers and positive thoughts.
Nancy DeWitt

Caryn Self-Sullivan

April 28, 2020

I remember Brian with great fondness during the 4 years we spent together at CCU. We studied together, worked together, and partied together. The first time I met him, we were both freshman in Paul Gaye's Marine Science 101 course in the fall of 1993. Paul was talking about his research on the NOAAS Ferrell. After class we both went up to him to ask how we could get involved. He said, "...you need to make sure I know your name." We did and we both ended up working with him on the very next expedition. I also remember having my first brain "f*rt" (his terminology;-) with him as my lab partner in Craig Gilman's Physical Oceanography class. We laughed so hard we cried. Although he was almost 15 years my junior, we were good friends. We followed each other's careers through graduate school and then lost touch, which I deeply regret. With deepest sympathy to Brian's family and friends, I share these words inspired by the words of the poet, Sharon Valleau: Imagine that the brilliant stars of a clear crisp night are windows looking out from beyond our earth-bound reality. At the very moment you are wishing on those stars, hoping that Brian is safe and free...he is looking back from the other side, making the same wish for you--sending you all his love. May the painful void in your hearts soon be filled and comforted by a lifetime of warm memories and the feeling that you'll always be connected to his love.

JW/JKH

April 28, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Donahue Family for the loss of your loved one, Brian, and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength.

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