Paul Edward Donahue

Paul Edward Donahue of North Reading, formerly of Wakefield, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Saturday September 27 at the CareOne Wilmington at the age of 87.

He was born in Malden on December 6, 1937 and was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Davis) Donahue.

Despite being diagnosed with bone cancer at birth, his life was remarkably well lived.

Paul graduated from Malden High School, Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute, class of 1961. Knowledge, work ethic, and problem solving skills earned Paul much success with many prestigious construction and real estate companies in the Greater Boston area for over fifty years.

Paul was proud to be a volunteer peer visitor/mentor to many new amputees at Spaulding rehab. He helped them accept their new life and thrive in spite of their handicap as he did himself. He was a below-knee amputee and cancer survivor before turning one year old. As he got older, he loved to play contact sports like football (his favorite), hockey, boxing, and earned two black belts in the martial arts.

He also enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, playing the guitar, and was a long distance bicyclist. Nothing held him back, in his work career or his personal life. His passion, focus, and intensity for all he did was quite obvious.

He was the loving husband of Lexie (Karen L) Donahue, father of two sons, Michael J of Peabody, and the late Patrick T of Andover, “Grampy” to four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and uncle to nine nieces and nephews.

Having family and friends over for any occasion was always special for Paul who was a generous and fun host. Sharing food, drink, laughter and love meant so much to him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6, 2025 at the American Legion,69 River Street, Middleton, MA from 1-4 pm. This date would have been his 88th birthday. Our family encourages guests to share a remembrance of Paul either written or verbal at the event or online at McDonald Funeral Home website.