Francis W. Donahue

Francis William Donahue, 82, of Simsbury, died Thursday January 26, 2006. Born on October 16, 1923 in Naugatuck to Simon J. and Ellen A. Donahue, he is survived by a loving family ? his wife of 59 years, Beatrice Berube Donahue, formerly of Waterbury, a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Robert Carey, Jr. of Simsbury, a son, Edward, and grandson, Willem of Torrington, and a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Laura Donahue of White Bear Township, MN and their children, Connor, Ryan and Kelsey. Frank also leaves his beloved brother Sim and his wife, Patricia Donahue of Cheshire and their children and grandchildren, and a dear family friend, Kim Pignone of West Simsbury. Frank spent his boyhood years attending St. Francis Grammar School in Naugatuck, reading widely, or hunting and fishing with his father and brother at the family?s home on Hitchcock Lake in Wolcott. After graduating from Waterbury?s Crosby High School in 1942, Frank joined the Army Air Corps and flew many missions over North Africa and Italy as a wing gunner on a B-24 bomber, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant at the time he was honorably discharged. He was wounded in combat and awarded a Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars. After World War II ended he studied at Yale University where he earned a B.A. in History in 1949. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1954 and was admitted to practice law in Connecticut and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. Frank joined the Travelers Insurance Company in 1949 and retired as a senior executive in the Group Insurance Division after a successful career spanning nearly 40 years. A Simsbury resident since 1956, he served for many years on the town?s Board of Education. He will be remembered for his fine intellect and great sense of humor. Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, has charge of the funeral arrangements. Friends are invited to call at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, on Monday, January 30 from 4 ? 7 p.m., or on Tuesday, January 31 from 9:30 ? 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Simsbury?s Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation to the Farmington Valley VNA, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT, 06070 or to the American Cancer Society PO Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004. The family extends special thanks to the VNA?s Hospice Team for their extraordinary help and support, and to the staff of Avon Health Center for their compassionate care. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Francis W. Donahue

October 16, 1923 - January 26, 2006