Timothy S. "Tim" Donahue, Jr., 84, Norwood

NORWOOD – A Mass of Christian Burial for Timothy S. "Tim" Donahue, Jr., 84, a resident of 38 Baldwin Ave., Norwood, will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church in Norwood with Rev. Raymond Moreau presiding. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Norwood. Mr. Donahue passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, November 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Tim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Reta Donahue, Norwood; a son, Kelly P. and Susan Donahue, Norwood; two daughters, Dr. Kathleen M. Donahue and her husband Dr. Michael Obrecht, Pittsford, and Renee L. and Abram "Abe" Adams, Norwood; his beloved eight grandchildren, Kayla, Daylon, Morgan, Rachael, Riley, Karlee, Eva, and Caitlin; and four great-grandchildren, Arianna, Jack, Brooklyn, and Beauden. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Tim was predeceased by his parents, Timothy S. and Joanna Warren Donahue, and by his son, Timothy Michael Donahue in 1984.

Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on June 12, 1942, to the late Timothy S. and Joanna Warren Donahue, Tim spent much of his childhood traveling the world as the son of a U.S. Army officer. His unique upbringing took him from New Jersey to Paris, Texas, where he was baptized, and later to Tokyo, Japan, where he attended third and fourth grades at Yoyogi Elementary School. He continued his education overseas at Paris American High School in Paris, France.

Tim's father entered the Army as a private and, after 22 years of service through two wars, retired with the rank of major. Following his military career, the family returned to his hometown of Norwood, New York. Tim completed his education at Norwood-Norfolk Central School, graduating with the Class of 1960. It was there that he met and began dating his future wife, Reta. He later attended Purdue University and SUNY Potsdam before embarking on the next chapters of his life and career. Following graduation, Tim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1967. During his active-duty service, he participated in the Cuban Blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, an event that played a significant role in one of the most critical moments of the Cold War. His years of military service reflected the dedication, duty, and quiet patriotism that characterized his life.

On December 29, 1962, Tim married the love of his life, Reta A. Cutler. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support while raising their family in Norwood. Tim devoted 27 years to shaping young minds as a mathematics teacher at Potsdam High School, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to education and workforce development, serving as an Apprentice Coordinator for St. Lawrence BOCES for 13 years.

Tim was an active volunteer firefighter for more than 55 years, serving as chief on two separate occasions. In addition to his dedicated fire service, he played trumpet with the Norwood Brass Firemen for 50 years, enjoying many memorable trips and experiences with the band. The Norwood Brass Firemen have performed at events ranging from local North Country celebrations to presidential inaugurations and even the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, providing Tim with opportunities to participate in remarkable performances and represent his community on some of the world's most notable stages. In his spare time, Tim enjoyed golfing, fishing, and gardening. Above all else, however, he treasured time spent with his family and friends. His greatest joy came from watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and thrive. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, dedication to service, and the lasting impact he made on his family, students, friends, and community.

Memorial donations in Tim's memory may be made to Norwood Fire Department or the Potsdam Animal Shelter and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com.

The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Timothy S. "Tim" Donahue, Jr.