Charles Donehue

Charles Frederick “Chuck” Donehue, 97, of Dover, died Saturday, December 8, 2018 in his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Lacy Watson and Ida Mae (Eichel) Donehue, Chuck was born July 4, 1921 in Uhrichsville.

After completing his formal education, Chuck honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He was a mechanic on the PT boat that did mine sweeping before the D-Day Invasion on Normandy Beach. During the invasion, he participated in the rescue of the seaman. He shot down a weather balloon and was jokingly known as the only seaman ever ordered not to shoot in World War II. He later enjoyed a lifetime membership with the Tuscarawas V.F.W.

Chuck’s service to his country and communities where he resided was commendable. He served two terms as the mayor of the Village of Tuscarawas. He was also the former fire chief of Warwick Volunteer Fire Department. On November 6, 1978, Chuck married the former Gloria Rouch. In the early 1980s, he retired as a welder with Gradall and then owned and operated the Kuntry Korner Gift store at Sugarcreek for 13 years with Gloria.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. He and Gloria greatly enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, including to Alaska and South Africa. Chuck was also known as “Mr. Fix It”, spending many hours completing projects around the house and fixing cars.

Chuck is survived by his children, Bill Donehue of Dover, Les (Jeanne) Donehue of New Philadelphia, Susan (John) Grubbs of Zanesville, Steve (Theresa) Dittmer of Spring Hill, Pennsylvania, and Polly (Brian) Burrell of Dover; a son-in-law, Joe Ullom of Beavercreek, Ohio; his grandchildren, Adam (Jessica) Donehue, Lindsey (Jake) Angler and Sam and Katie Grubbs, Brad (Mandy) Dittmer, Doug Dittmer, Meghan and Nicholas Ullom, Hillary (Jason) Green, Carrington Evans; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Margaret (Bob) Cash of Massillon; and his brothers, Richard (Doris) Donehue and Joe (Beverly) Donehue, both of Tuscarawas.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gloria, Chuck was preceded in passing by his siblings, Mary Katherine Warner, John (Moni) Donehue and William Donehue, who was killed in action in World War II; and his step-daughter, Sally Ullom.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating Chuck’s life will follow at 11:30 AM in the funeral home with Pastor Paul Houdashelt officiating. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park where the Tuscarawas V.F.W. will render military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chuck’s memory to Grace Community Church Pre-school, PO Box 97, Stone Creek, OH 43840.