Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 4 Line: 28

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Bernice A. Donahue

Captain John Randall Donahue, United Airlines, 1964-1997
Flew West August 16th 2003 at Cape Cod from heart disease. Born in Boston February 16, 1936; raised in Jamaica Plain/Wollaston, Ma.; attended Commerce HS, Boston, graduated from Massachusetts, Maritime Academy 1956 at 20 years of age, commissioned as a Navy Ensign, and successfully completed the Naval Aviation program in Pensacola and Hutchinson Kansas and married Bernice Fouhey 1958 in Jamaica Plain, Ma. Assigned to squadron VQ-2. in Port Layutey and Rota Spain 1958-1961. Lt Donahue served his next tour in flight squadron VS-22, based aboard the straight deck carrier, Lake Champlain in Quonset Point, RL, serving in the Cuban Conflict. The squadron picked up Alan Shepherd and his capsule in offshore waters, following his space flight.. Lt Donahue earned the distinction of being the only squadron pilot to complete 200 safe take offs and landings and was awarded the tailhooks from his 100th and 200th landings. Lt Donahue taught at Officer's Candidate School in Newport, RL prior to being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1964, having been promoted to the rank of LTCRD and joined the ranks of United Airlines, as a co-pilot based in Pittsburg till its closing and moved to NY, living in Trumbull Ct. for 35 years with his family . He received his Master Degree form Fairfield, Ct in American Studies and substituted at Trumbull High School during his time off for 25 years A member of Black Rock Yacht Club for 20 years, he served on the board and as Commodore in 1995. Avid sailors, he and his son Brent owned and raced a green J-24, O'DONNCAOA - (Gallic for Donahue) and won many silver awards. John also served as An ALPA representative in NY for many years. He achieved the rank of Captain in 1986, domiciled in Chicago, until he was medically retired with heart problems in 1996, when he and Bernice moved to Spanish Well CC in Bonita Springs, FL until his death. He and Bernice met at 15, married at 21, and celebrated their 45th anniversary in February 2003, 6 months before his death. Member of ALPA, RUPA, Tailhook Society, MMA Alumni, avid golfer, stamp collector, Vi model builder, John was known for his happy positive attitude , loving God, his family, friends, anything Irish, learning, laughter, and life itself. Father of Douglas R. Donahue and grandchildren, Erin and Torin of NJ, predeceased by his beloved sons, Jeffrey Craig(l1 months) and Brent Charles (25 years) Donahue. And dearly missed by his loving wife, Bernice