Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr. Dies At 72
Robert Donohoe Sr., a longtime D.C.-area developer who most recently served as chairman of Donohoe Cos.' board of directors, died Monday.
Donohoe died in Bethesda at the age of 72 after a yearlong battle with cancer, Donohoe Cos. announced Wednesday. His death comes two years after he stepped back from his role as CEO and became board chairman.
Born in Chevy Chase, Donohoe joined the family company in 1978. During his career at Donohoe Cos., a Bethesda-based company founded by his great-grandfather in 1884, the company grew from 300 people to more than 1,400.
The company has also expanded to five divisions: development, construction, hospitality, real estate services and facilities management. Donohoe worked on projects including Chevy Chase Pavilion, Gallery Rosslyn and Gallery Bethesda.
In addition to his work at the family company, Donohoe served on the boards of National Capital Bank and the Federal Center Plaza Corp. He also supported community organizations including Catholic Charities and St. John's College High School, his alma mater.
Donohoe is survived by his wife, Sharon Donohoe, their three children and six grandchildren.
“Bob led our board with integrity, in the tradition of our company values," Donohoe Cos. CEO Christopher Bruch said in a statement. "In his 42-year career at Donohoe, Bob often cited the philosophy of his late Uncle Dick Donohoe that ‘reputation is everything,’ and he conducted business accordingly, whether by handshake or formal contract. We will miss Bob’s gentility and kindness, as well as his extensive knowledge and insight about the Washington real estate market."
