Obituary of Frederick W. Donahue

Frederick W. Donahue of Methuen, formerly of Billerica and Cambridge, passed away on May 18, 2024, at age 87 with his family by his side.   Beloved husband of the late Lillian (Curry) Donahue.  Devoted father of the late Cheryl Salemi and her husband Stephen of Billerica, Lisa Donahue of Methuen, James Donahue and his wife Laura, of Arlington, Nancy Jewer and her husband Bruce of Billerica, and Brian Donahue and his wife Jennifer, of Norton.  Also survived by 12 loving grandchildren, Stephen, Jacqueline, Philip, Danielle, Allison, Michelle, James, Emily, Brandon, Derek, Dylan and Paige, his most precious and loved great grandchildren, Edward and Callie and several wonderful nieces and nephews. Dear brother of Lorraine Stone, Patricia Holleran and the late James Donahue, Francis Donahue and Merilyn Holleran.

Fred was a retired Cambridge Fire Fighter and served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.  He was beloved by all his family and friends.  His favorite place in the world was Aruba and he loved fishing with his grandchildren and telling good stories. The thing he enjoyed most was food.  He woke up every morning asking what’s for dinner.  He loved to go to the local diner, M.L. Shaws with his best friend Chris and would have been happy eating Italian food every night. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. 

Funeral mass will be held at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish in St. Theresa's Church, 466 Boston Road, Billerica, Thursday, May 23, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours will be held, Wednesday, May 22, in the Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Rd., (Rt. 3A), Billerica, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Fred’s name to Tufts Medicine Care at Home Hospice or the American Cancer Society.