Mr. William “Big Bill” Donahue Sr., a Glenside resident and the co-Grand Marshal of the 2026 Glenside St. Patrick’s Day parade, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5. He was 77.
A lifelong Philadelphian and alumnus of Roman Catholic High School and La Salle University, Mr. Donahue devoted his 56-year career to Mercy Vocational High School, his obituary said.
An active member of the Philadelphia Irish community, he served as president of the Derry Society of Philadelphia and treasurer and master of ceremonies for the Cummins School of Irish Dance in Glenside.
In January, Mr. Donahue and his wife of over 53 years, Frances, were named dual Grand Marshals for the second annual Glenside St. Patrick’s Day parade. 6ABC paid the couple tribute in March.
A longtime Irish musician, Mr. Donahue performed at the festival in Keswick Village alongside his sons Bill Donahue, Jr and Brendan Donahue as part of their family’s group called the Derry Brigade.
“Known for his generous heart and vibrant spirit, Bill was always the life of the party and lived life to the fullest,” his obituary said. “Bill was an extremely proud family man, father, and grandfather affectionately known as Popie to his 12 grandchildren who he absolutely adored.”
Mr. Donahue’s son, Bill Jr., posted the following in memoriam:
Many people use the word “legend” to describe him. He deeply loved his family. You might have run into him and my mother at their favorite happy hours around Glenside, or at Irish dance collecting money. He lived a life of service, working in education for over 55 years and serving on many committees in the Philadelphia Irish community. His final act of service was donating his organs through Gift of Life. The world is a little quieter today. We will all miss him deeply.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM and on Saturday, November 14 th , from 9:30-10:45 AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 2316 Fairhill Ave., Glenside, PA 19038 followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. His interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.
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