Walter R. Donahue ’48

Walt Donahue died Feb. 24, 2011.  

He was born in April 1920 and came to us by way of Lower Marion High School in Ardmore, Pa., Swarthmore College, and the Army.  

Walt served as a lieutenant bombardier in the 8th Air Force flying out of England. He was on his 10th mission over German-held Europe during the first large daylight raid on Berlin when his B-17 bomber was shot down. Walt bailed out and eventually found himself in Stalag Luft One as a prisoner of war. In April 1945 his prison camp was liberated by the Russians. After a chaotic three weeks with the Russian Army, he made his way back and on to Princeton to complete his education.

At Princeton he was in Cap and Gown, played interclub athletics, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics. After working briefly for U.S. Steel and Esso, Walt had a very successful 26-year career with McGraw-Hill. He retired in 1982 as vice president for sales.

Beverly, Walt’s wife of 53 years, predeceased him. He is survived by his second wife, Mary, whom he married in 2005. He is survived as well by their four children, Alston, Deirdre, Carol, and Walter.

Walt cherished Princeton friendships and said, “Princeton was probably second to my family in degree of influences.”