Bob Donahue was a life long resident of the city of Worcester. As a youth, growing up in the Main South section of the city, Bob spent countless hours at the Ionic Ave Boys Club. Bob always spoke of enjoyment and involvement at his “home away from home “. He often gave credit to what the Boys Club gave and offered to him growing up in those early years. His involvement in athletics began there and extended to his days at St Peters High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Along with his involvement in team sports, Bob was an avid swimmer. Swimming was another skill he developed at a young age at Ionic Ave and he continued to swim on a regular basis well into his 80”s.
Following high school, Bob was drafted in the US Army serving his country from 1952-1954. Following his military service, Bob became a civil engineer for the Mass Department of Public Works where he spent his entire career. Bob married his wife Mary in 1953 and raised 6 children .
While working to raise his family, Bob was also a renowned and highly respected basketball official. Bob officiated at the high school and collegiate levels, officiating numerous Clark and District finals as well as State Championship games in the old Boston Garden. Bob is a past president of the Central Mass Board of Basketball officials Board 26. During his time on the board, he was involved in creating the Cervini Hardy award given annually to a Central Mass school for exemplary sportsmanship.