Robert L. Donahue passed away peacefully at his residence, Chandler Hall in Newtown, on September 29, 2008, with his loving wife of 67 years, Margaret, at his bedside. He was 89.

Mr. Donahue was born Jan. 5, 1919, in Farrell, the son of Alfred and Ruth Hooks Donahue.

He attended Northeastern Illinois University, earning a bachelor of science degree in 1976 in Urban Studies.

Robert married the former Margaret Hlas in 1941 in Farrell, moving with her to the Chicago area in 1946. 

He served in the U.S. Air Force and was awarded the rank of colonel before retiring from the military.

From 1965-79, Robert worked in the real estate development and mortgage banking business in Chicago.

From 1979-85, he was director of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics in Springfield. Robert was responsible for the implementation of statutory aviation laws of the State of Illinois.

From 1985-89, he was the Federal Aviation Administration Associate Administrator for Airports under President Ronald Reagan in Washington, D.C. Of his many accomplishments, Robert was directly responsible for the funding and building of the Denver International Airport, as well as the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden, Colo.

In 1989, Robert started Aviation Associates Inc. in Springfield, that offered expertise in financial programs, marketing, public relations and environmental processes affecting the entire spectrum of aviation.

Robert was passionate about people and always gave everyone his entire attention, no matter what the situation.  He owned the room when asked to speak and told a joke with theatrical ability. He loved airplanes and flying, golf, skiing, singing, dancing and traveling. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest and touched, in some way, anyone who ever met him.

Robert is survived by his wonderful wife, Margaret.

They had five children, Martin, who is now deceased; and four daughters who survive including Peggie Lawton and her husband LeRoy, Craig, Colo.; Karen Beauvais and her husband Mix, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Susie Malinsky and her husband Greg, Murrells Inlet, S.C.; and Kathleen Parry and her husband John, Newtown, Pa.

Robert had the pleasure and enjoyment of his 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Loretta Stayton, Long Beach, Wash.; his brother-in-law, Charles Manofsky, Warren, Ohio; and numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and thousands of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to your local Alzheimer’s Association.