Donald R. Donahue, 77

ROCKFORD – Donald R. Donahue, 77, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, passed away Friday evening, June 3, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 8, 1938 in Cullom, Ill., son of Elmer and Mary (Mulvaney) Donahue.

Don graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. with a B.S. in accounting and business management. He worked in the oil industry since 1960, holding many positions, most recently the owner of DRD Associates.

Don made many international connections including Thailand and France. He was a faithful member of the Catholic Church, no matter where he lived. He was proud of his Irish heritage, and traveled to Ireland several times. Don grew up on a farm, although he lived in the city, he still enjoyed tractors and gardening.

Don is loved and missed by his wife, Barbara; children, Dawn Benning, and Ellen (Bernard) Killian; step-children, Jim (Kathy) Freymiller, Kim Witt, Alan (Lisa) Mera; six grandchildren, six step-grandhildren, one great-granddaughter, and six step-great-grandchildren; siblings, John Donahue, Pat (David) McDonald, Teresa Doherty, sister-in-law, Mary Donahue. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Alice Schmidt, E. James Donahue, son-in-law, Earl Benning.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 10, at Saint James Catholic Church, at 535 Caswell St. in Belvidere with Father William Wentink officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, at 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. in Belvidere.

Memorials may be made to the family. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.