Robert F. Donahue Jr.'s Obituary
Robert “Bob” F. Donahue, Jr., 67, of North Andover, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after a lifetime of courage and resilience in living with diabetes.
Bob was the beloved son of the late Robert F. Donahue and Anna (Evangelos) Foster. Born and raised in North Andover, he treasured his childhood years, where he could often be found fishing, playing street, floor, and ice hockey, and creating lifelong memories with his sisters, Hope, Theresa, and Denise. He shared a particularly close bond with his grandparents, Dennis and Antigoni Evangelos, whose love and guidance helped shape the man he became.
Bob began his career in the masonry trade before earning his college degree and transitioning into accounting and bookkeeping, where he worked at Salem Ice Center and Lake Street Garden Center. While he enjoyed his work, some of his happiest years were spent volunteering as a youth hockey coach at Salem Ice Center. He found genuine joy in encouraging young players, sharing his knowledge of the game, and watching them grow both on and off the ice.
Bob possessed a remarkable creative spirit. He enjoyed wood carving, painting, landscape design, and writing poetry, expressing both his artistic talents and his deep faith in God. Through his poetry, he sought to celebrate the beauty of life and encourage others to recognize the gifts and blessings that surround them.
Bob was formerly married to Donna Donahue, with whom he shared many happy years and countless cherished memories while making their home in Salem, New Hampshire. Together they enjoyed the companionship of their beloved pets and created lasting memories traveling throughout Vermont, Maine, and abroad. Though their marriage eventually ended, their friendship, mutual respect, and care for one another endured throughout the years and remained steadfast until his passing.
Bob will be remembered for his kindness, keen intellect, quick wit, gentle heart, quiet strength, creativity and appreciation for life’s simple blessings. He loved meaningful conversations, listening to music, cheering on New England sports teams, spending time outdoors, and finding comfort in familiar traditions. Above all, he treasured the people in his life and valued the connections he shared with family and friends. Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved him find comfort in knowing his legacy endures through the memories he created, the lives he influenced, and the enduring example of a life lived with courage, compassion, and grace.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his stepfather, Charles Foster; his brother-in-law, Paul Rinaldi Jr.; and his cousin and dear friend, Thomas Donahue.
Bob leaves behind his loving sisters, Hope Howden of Pittsfield, New Hampshire; Theresa Rinaldi of North Andover; and Denise Call and her husband, Douglas, of Bradenton, Florida. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Lynn White, Rebecca Mokos, Paul Rinaldi, Michael Rinaldi, Brenna Novak, Liana Rinaldi, Melissa Bovello, and Tyler Call, along with several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; former wife and friend, Donna Donahue; several cousins; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the many doctors and nurses throughout Bob’s life for their dedication to his care and wellbeing, including Dr. Eduardo Haddad, Massachusetts General Hospital and most recently, Andover Forest Post Acute Care Center.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., North Andover, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service. A graveside committal service will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Breakthrough T1D, the American Diabetes Association, or The Trustees of Reservations of Massachusetts.
https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
https://diabetes.org/
https://thetrustees.org/
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