William E. Donahue Jr.

William E. “Billie” Donahue Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on May10, 2026.

Born on September 1, 1951, in Winchester, he was the son of the late William E. Donahue, Sr. and Lillian (Pine) Donahue. Billie dedicated much of his life to education and athletics. He retired as a physical education teacher at Lowell High School. Prior to his teaching career, he served as Vice President of Suburban Real Estate News in Peabody for 20 years.

Billie had a lifelong passion for sports. He was a football official for over 50 years, officiating games at the college, semi-professional, high school, and Pop Warner levels. Known for wearing the “white hat,” he traveled throughout New England and earned deep respect within the officiating community.
His impact on hockey was equally profound. For more than five decades, Billie coached at numerous levels and organizations, including Lowell High School, the Valley Jr. Warriors (Select League – AHACM), Mass 78’s, Middlesex Islanders, Boston Icemen, Ipswich Youth Hockey, and Stoneham Pee Wee Recreation Hockey. His teams competed across the country and in Canada, but his greatest pride came from helping young athletes grow, develop confidence, and reach their full potential.

Throughout his career, Billie received many honors and accolades. Most recently, he was inducted into the Ice Hockey Coach Hall of Fame and received the William J. Stewart Jr. Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston as part of the SUPER 26 High School Football Awards, recognizing him as an outstanding high school official. He was also named Lowell Sun Coach of the Year multiple times, MVC/DCL Coach of the Year multiple times, and led teams to numerous MIAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the State Semi-Finals.

Billie is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Carol (Bourque), and their children and grandchildren: Michael and his wife Noelle, and their children Jackson and Emerson of Georgetown; Sean and his spouse Mac Chinsomboon of Brighton; Timothy and his wife Melissa, and their daughters Sage and Moira of Danvers; and Kevin and his wife Sheri of St. Louis, Missouri, and their daughter Harper who is just days old. He is also survived by his sister Mary Sheppard of Stoneham, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Ventullo of Stoneham.

Billie was a loyal and devoted friend who formed countless meaningful relationships throughout his life. Above all else, he was a dedicated family man. His greatest joy came from his children and especially his grandchildren, whose lives he followed closely. He rarely missed a game, performance, or milestone event, always showing up with pride and support.

Billie will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his passion for sports, and his lasting impact on the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday, May 29, 2026 in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billie’s name to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or a charity of one’s choice. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com