William T. Donahue, PhD, age 95, resident and celebrated WWII veteran of Milford, and beloved husband to the late Roselle Ober Donahue passed away at home Tuesday, April 15, 2014.
Born in Waterbury on November 20, 1918, he was the son of the late Thomas A. and Margaret McGrath Donahue.
Bill served with great pride and honor in the US Navy during WWII. He operated aboard the USS Vicksburg as a 3rd class fire control technician, where he and his crew saw action in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Prior to his retirement, Bill, affectionately known as ‘Doc” because of his PhD in psychology, taught electrical engineering in N.Y.
A consummate American patriot, Bill never missed a parade or a chance to pass out flags in the center of town or place flags on veteran graves. He was a tireless warrior for aging vets for over 20 years. He is credited with helping to set up satellite health care centers in CT and helped to initiate free flag logos for veterans in their notices with the local newspapers.
A longstanding active member of the US DAV, he was a former State Commander of the US Disabled American Veterans, was named Veteran of the Year by the DAV in 1999 and also served as Vice Commander of the DAV, Milford Chapter No 15.
Dedicated, passionate, kind and generous, Bill will be a man whose loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. His motto was “It is important that we remember.” And we will, Bill.
Bill is survived by his cousins; Lori J. Bannon, Regina V., J. Myles and Mary Catherine McGrath; nieces and nephews, Roberta Stein, Laurie Stahl, Janice Edick, Maureen, Seth, Harry and Robert Ober, Carol Kody, Jackie Fendel and many faithful friends. He was predeceased by cousins, Julia Maria and Louis Joseph Smith and nieces and nephews, Stuart and Jean Ober and Lawrence Fendel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd at 10:30 am at St. Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT 06460. Interment to follow at Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterbury. Friends and Family may call on Monday April 21st from 4-8 pm at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.