Donald Peter Donohue

Donald Peter Donohue
1959 – 2026

Donald Peter Donohue, a man of deep compassion and creative talent, passed away peacefully at his home in Bearsville, NY, on February 21, 2026. He was 66 years old and had been a Woodstock resident for over 20 years.

Born in Brooklyn to parents of Irish and Lebanese descent, he grew up mostly on Staten Island. Donald discovered his calling early: to question authority. This rebellious spirit was complemented by a love for drawing and playing guitar, passions he would carry throughout his life.

Donald joined the FDNY in 1986, earning a promotion to Lieutenant in 1994. Even in retirement, his dedication never wavered; on September 11, 2001, he went to the World Trade Center site to assist in the grueling rescue and recovery efforts.

Donald had a natural gift for storytelling and loved nothing more than a good conversation, always bringing his acerbic wit and a historian's relish for detail to the table. He was also an avid reader and collector of 1st edition books, enjoying the search for undiscovered literary treasures at yard sales, fueled by his firm belief that Cormac McCarthy was the greatest writer of all time.

Donald's greatest legacy, however, was his love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Laura Wiley-Donohue; his children, Lucy-Rachel, Caroline, and Sophia (John); and his beloved grandchildren, Lincoln Victor, Stella, and Violet. He also leaves behind his siblings, Michael (Michelle), Saroya, Kelly, and Paul (Claudia); his aunt, Flo Bashinelli; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Salloum (b. Beirut, Lebanon) and Donald Paul Donohue (b. Brooklyn, NY).

In lieu of flowers, please consider live plants. Memorial donations may be made in Donald's name to:

·    The Woodstock Fire Department Company 5 Rescue Squad
·    Adopt A Boxer Rescue

"…there is no order in the world save what death has put there."
-    Cormac McCarthy