Robert F. Donohue

Robert F. Donohue, 93, of East Coventry, formerly of Phoenixville, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Season's Hospice at Phoenixville Hospital. He was born in Royersford, PA on March 3, 1923 to Irene (Zieser) and Edward Donohue. He lived in Phoenixville with his aunt and grandmother from age 2 to 25. He attended schools in Phoenixville and played the violin in the orchestra and the clarinet in the marching band in high school, graduating in 1941. He started working at the Phoenix Iron Co. until January 31, 1943 when he was drafted into the US Army. After basic training, he was sent to the South Pacific serving in Guadalcanal, Bougenville, Leyte in the Philippines, then to Japan until the end of World War II. He was a switchboard operator and lineman in the artillery with the rank of T-5, Corporal with training in communications. Upon returning home, he was honorably discharged on January 29, 1946, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, American Service Medal, and the AS-PAC Theater Medal with 2 bronze stars. After his discharge, Bob returned to work at Phoenix Iron Co., then to Phoenixville Trust Co., Taylor Fiber and C. Schmidt and Sons Brewing Co., where he retired in 1986 as a form's analyst. Robert was a lifetime member of the West End Fire Co. #3 and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for 75 years, where he served on Council, Property and Social Ministries Committees. He was a Sunday School teacher, usher, communion assistant, lector, member of the hand bell choir, custodian and served on the property committee for 50 years. He volunteered for 5 years with Habitat for Humanity and 5 years with Good Works Inc., both Phoenixville chapters. He also volunteered with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps as a driver, carpenter, painter and kitchen aide. In 2012, he was honored by being inducted into the Crossmen Hall of Fame. Bob also spent years being a Boy Scout Scoutmaster and belonged to the Phoenixville TLA. On October 2, 1948, he married Loretta McCann, daughter of Mildred (Auman) and James McCann. He enjoyed 28 years of marriage and adopted a daughter, Sharon Ann, on February 20, 1958. Loretta passed away on June 13, 1976 after losing a battle with breast cancer. On December 17, 1983, he married Jean Arlene Stahle Vanderslice, daughter of Rella (Rhodes) and Earle Stahle. Jean passed away on February 1, 2016. Bob enjoyed camping, traveling, working crossword puzzles and doing handyman work. He loved spending time with his family and visiting with friends and they love spending time with him. His classmates said he always had a "joke in his pocket" and found joy in helping others. In 2014, Bob became a resident at Manatawny Manor Personal Care Unit. There, he enjoyed sporting a dress shirt and tie on a regular basis. He had a tie for every holiday that brought smiles to the faces of the residents and staff. He was recently elected to his second term as President of the Resident Council. Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him. His surviving family consists of his sister: Betty Jean Debeck, widow of Edward, of Kearney, NE; brother: Donald Donohue, widower of Eloise, of Pottstown; daughter: Sherry (Sharon Ann,) wife of James Thomas, of Pottstown; granddaughter: Jennifer, and her fiance, Timothy Ade, and great-grandson: Tyler Thomas, of Hammonton, NJ: three step-daughters: Lynne Lazarte, of Pace, FL, Ruth, wife of Riley Warren, of Spring City and Beth, wife of Samuel Fryer, of Linfield; grandchildren: Shawn Lazarte and Ryan Lazarte, and his wife Amanda, Connor and Colton Warren and April and Samuel Fryer; and great-grandchildren: Morgan, Eva, Clara, Isaac, Evan and Katy Lazarte. Robert is predeceased by his sisters: Dorothy Grater, Nancy Schubert and Shirley A. Donohue; and brothers: Edward, George and Ronald Donohue. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at St. John's Lutheran Church, on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 11:00 am. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Krommes. Interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Friends will be received from 9:00-10:45 am at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to St. John's Memorial Wreath Fund, 355 St. John's Circle, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Robert F. Donohue

March 3, 1923 - February 7, 2017