Richard J. Donahue

Danville In loving memory of Richard Joseph Donahue who passed away at 2:28 PM on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at OSF Sacred Heart in Danville, IL.

Richard was born in Earl Park, IN on October 25, 1937. He was the son of Edward and Dorothy (Muller) Donahue.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jayne (Strasburger) Donahue. Together they had 4 sons, Patrick, John, Michael, and Shawn (wife Juli Ann and grandson Brady).

Richard graduated from Freeland Park High School in Indiana then joined the Navy at age 17 where he served for 3 years. After service he continued his education, graduating from DeVry Technical Institute. He began his career in radio and television as an engineer at NBC/WICD for 15 years. While working and raising a family Richard continued his education and graduated from Danville Area Community College and Eastern Illinois University. Soon after, he would return to his alma mater, DACC, where he worked as the Director of the Physical Plant for over 27 years.

Richards life made an indelible mark on the community. He was a member of St. Pauls Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife were inducted into the DACC Athletic Hall of Fame. And as a member of the Danville Rotary Club he was the recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Richard was a true friend to all. Known to many as "Mr. D," he was always at the ready with a big, contagious smile, a handshake and a joke.

Richard and Jayne were devout supporters of Schlarman High School, DACC, and Danville Dans Athletics. They served as a host family to student athletes for 10 years and frequently traveled with teams to out of town tournaments. Their outreach and volunteering to these organizations blessed them with an enormous extended family. Richard treated all of those kids as if they were his own, matching their energy and vigor with his own.

Few could outwork Richard and he was always ready to help a friend in need. He loved to work in his yard, plant flowers, and garden and could always be seen hustling around town in his signature El Camino. An admired hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, he always had great stories to tell.

Richards story will now live on through all of us. So tell his story with joy, laughter, and a smile, just the way he always did.

We love you Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at St. Pauls Catholic Church in Danville. Father Thomas Szydlik will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at 3:30 PM EST at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Fowler, IN following the mass. Memorial Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Rosary will be held at 3:30 prior to the start of visitation, also at Sunset in Danville.

Please join Richards family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Recitation of the Rosary Friday July 15, 2022 3:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Visitation Friday July 15, 2022 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Mass of Christian Burial Saturday July 16, 2022 10:00 AM St. Paul's Catholic Church 1303 N. Walnut Avenue Danville, , Illinois 61832