Samuel E. Donohoe Jr.
Samuel E. Donohoe Jr., 78, of McMurray, and formerly of Alliance, Ohio, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020, at Baptist Homes, following a lengthy journey with Alzheimer’s.
He was born August 10, 1942, the eldest son of Samuel and Stella Dillon Donohoe in Alliance and relocated with his wife Janis to McMurray in 2014.
Sam graduated from Alliance High School in 1960 and The University of Akron in 1975 with a degree in industrial management. He specialized in labor relations for two of Alliance’s largest employers, spending 20 years at each. First, at American Steel Foundries, where he served as Director of Human Resources, and then at the Alliance Community Hospital in the same capacity as well as serving as a member of the executive management team.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janis Shade Donohoe; sons, Michael (Emma) Snider of Danville, Calif., Matthew (Carolyn) Donohoe of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Rebecca (Ronn) Manhollan of Venetia; and four grandchildren, Justin, Nicholas and Stella Manhollan and Gabriel Snider. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Gregory (Sue) of Alliance, Ohio; and 10 nieces and nephews; and a loving church family at Peters Creek Baptist Church.
Unselfishly, Sam dedicated his entire adult life to public service and spent decades donating his time, energy and enthusiasm to make his community a better place to live. He was recipient of The Distinguished Service Award “Citizen of the Year” from the Alliance Lions Club, The President’s Award from The United Way, The Spirit of Enterprise award from the Chamber of Commerce and The Distinguished Citizens Award from The Alliance Jaycees. He received notable wards from the Canton Foundrymen’s Association, The Stark-Carroll Nursing Association, Kent State Board of Supervisors and served on a multitude of additional church and community boards and committees.
He served the American Red Cross in various leadership and disaster preparedness capacities for over 30 years, was a member of the Ohio National Guard for seven years and participated as little league coach for many of his children’s sports teams. He was a lifetime member of the Dr. Roach Outdoor League, the Elks Lodge and The First Baptist Church of Alliance, where he served in various leadership roles.
At Christmas time he was a familiar face ringing the Salvation Army Bells around town for 25 years, and for 19 of those years on Christmas mornings after playing Santa to his own children, he would depart to play the role for hospitalized children at the Alliance Community Hospital.
Upon arriving in Pa., and living with Alzheimer’s, he was warmly welcomed as a member of Peters Creek Baptist Church where members cared for him through one-on-one meals and welcoming him with various jobs as a member of The God Squad.
His hobbies included boating, golf, gardening, sports and music. He especially enjoyed his yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with friends and family.
Sam’s final gift to others was his brain donation to the Alzheimer’s Research Center in Pittsburgh.
Due to COVID restrictions, his services and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations and gifts can be made on his behalf to Peters Creek Baptist Church in South Park or the Employee Appreciation Fund at Baptist Homes.
Arrangements by Beinhauers, 2828, Washington Road, McMurray.