Shrewsbury – Robert J. “Bob” Donoghue, 86, of Shrewsbury, MA passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob leaves his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 64 years, Maureen (McConville) Donoghue; his children, Kathy Donoghue, of Worcester, Mike Donoghue and wife Cece, of Darien, CT, Beth White and husband Greg, of Boylston, Patty Durkin of Worcester, Sue Donoghue and husband Dmitri Nayduch, of Brooklyn, NY; ten grandchildren: Chris White and wife Sunny, Jackie White Hughto and husband Bill, Mac Donoghue and wife Regan, Sean Donoghue and fiancé Marissa, Mara Donoghue, Liam Donoghue, Maeve Donoghue, Seamus Nayduch, Ivan Nayduch, and Bridget Nayduch; two great-grandchildren, Dylan White and Jack White; his sister, Pat Clifford and husband Ray of Holden; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Kenny Durkin and; his sisters, Dorothy Fisher and Eleanor Fairchild.
Bob was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He was the son of Jerome Donoghue and Amelia (Duhamel) Donoghue. He graduated from North High School in 1953, where he was a three-sport athlete. In 1957, he graduated from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, VT, achieving his BA in Business Administration. While at “St. Mike’s” he was co-captain of the golf team, active in the debate club and drama club, and President of his class. Later in life, he attended the Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development.
Bob spent his entire professional career at Wyman Gordon Company, starting in sales and rising to the position of Vice President/General Manager. While at Wyman Gordon, he traveled the world growing the business extensively. He was valued for his integrity, intellect, and expertise in the aerospace industry. He could also often be found conducting offsite mentoring sessions and office hours with his colleagues at the Grafton House, Lantern Room, and other local watering holes.
Bob lived the majority of his adult life in Shrewsbury, MA, and was a longtime, faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish, where he was a lector for many years. His family will forever remember him leading them in a march around the house singing Seventy-Six Trombones as he practiced for his lead role in the St. Mary’s Parents’ Association School play – the Music Man. Throughout his years in Shrewsbury, he was an active Little League and Babe Ruth coach.
As a father to his special needs daughter, Kathy, he was very involved in Mercy Centre, the Special Olympics, Seven Hills, and HMEA – the organizations that support the special needs community of Worcester and beyond. Having passed on his competitive spirit and athletic talent to Kathy, for over 50 years, he and his family spent nearly every Father’s Day cheering her on at the Special Olympics State Finals in pursuit of yet another gold medal.
In 1980, Bob and Maureen purchased a home in Sunapee, NH, eventually moving to Fisher’s Bay on Lake Sunapee. Over the years, Sunapee became his family’s “happy place” as it was the site for so many memorable gatherings. He was very involved in the Fisher’s Bay Community Association, where he served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was also an active member of the Lake Sunapee Country Club. A reluctant boater, he’d spend hours on the lake towing his children and grandchildren in numerous water sports and activities. In the winter months, he led après ski festivities and could be found telling stories and keeping warm by the fireplace on many a holiday.
In his later years, Bob and Maureen moved to Southgate in Shrewsbury, where he became a beloved member of the community. Bob embraced all that Southgate had to offer, participating in everything from daily Mass to lecture series to weekly Jeopardy, and even chair yoga! He also took on leadership roles, serving as the head of the Dining Committee and later as Treasurer of the Southgate Residents’ Advisory Committee. Within no time, Bob became a fixture in Southgate’s annual musical revue, where he played several lead roles as actor, singer, and dancer, including his last performance in which he relished playing the role of Frank Sinatra.
Bob was a man of many talents – a fantastic cook, a scratch golfer, and an entertaining storyteller. A die-hard Red Sox fan, Bob never missed a game. An early adopter of all new technology, Bob learned he could discretely watch the game, while still actively participating in family dinner conversations. In his later years, he became a tutor to his peers and even his grandchildren, helping them to learn how to use cutting-edge technology. An avid reader, Bob had a lifelong passion for learning and could discuss any current event, whether it be local or international. Despite all his many accomplishments and talents, he was most proud of his family and would light up any time his children or grandchildren entered the room. Affectionately known as “Papa” – he will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to two of Bob’s favorite organizations – HMEA.org and Thrive Support and Advocacy, (icanthrive.org)
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Donoghue family from 4 -7 PM on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St., Boylston, with a private burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
