Charles Patrick Donahue, 87, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on January 26, 2026. Pat was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23, 1938, to Charles F., and Edith J. Campbell Donahue.

Pat graduated from Marquette High School in 1956, and in 1960 received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Marquette University. While attending Marquette University, he was active in ROTC, and after graduation, joined the United States Navy. His initial training was at Pensacola Naval Station, Pensacola, Florida. During his naval career, Pat flew the P2V Neptune and received the National Defense Service Medal. He retired in 1967 as a Lieutenant after 7 1/2 years of service.

Shortly after his naval career he was hired by Eastern Airlines, Inc. in the Flight Department. He was promoted to Flight Engineer on the Douglas DC8, and flew First Office on Boeing 727, Lockheed L1011 and Airbus A300. In 1988 he was promoted to Captain on the Boeing 727 where he held that position until the airline discontinued flying in 1991.

In 1992 he accepted a position with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the Flight Department and received a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree with the university in 1996. Pat retired as an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science in 2013. During his career with Embry Riddle his greatest joy was sharing his knowledge of aviation with the younger generation.

Pat was united in marriage to Deborah Bozell on November 17, 1984, and they shared 41 wonderful years together. Pat and Debby traveled abroad and domestically for many years where one of Pat's highlights was visiting his ancestral homeland, Ireland. While in Ireland, they studied at the National Library in Dublin researching his Donahue family genealogy.

Pat and Debby enjoyed traveling in their motor home for several years with their Pomeranian, Kerry Ross, and two poodles, Zeke and Lucy. They enjoyed visiting the mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee plus presidential libraries, and battle fields throughout the U.S.

Pat was an avid reader, never without a book, and enjoyed going to Barnes and Noble to pick up the latest edition of a popular read. His other hobbies included woodworking, and pen turning, and he enjoyed creating a garden of vegetables.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Deborah, to cherish his memory, his three daughters, Colleen Sheppard (Greg), Marybeth Bonner (Tom) and Maureen Cirrito (Jim). Two grandchildren Ryan Glynn and Kelsey Cirrito plus many nieces and nephews.

Pat was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Edith Donahue and his brother John Donahue.

A private service will be held at a later date.