William W. Donahue Sr.

William W. Donahue Sr., 76, entered eternal life peacefully on September 1, 2024, surrounded by his wife of 58 years, children, and grandchildren. 

Born in 1947, and raised in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Ruth (Martinson) and Francis Donahue, Bill built a career in fastener distribution launching his own business in 1975 out of his garage. Over five decades he built Arnold Supply Inc. into a fastener distribution company serving customers across the globe. A respected member of the National Fastener Distributors Association, he was named to the New England Fastener Distributors Association Hall of Fame in 2019, having served multiple terms as Board member and President. 

Bill was a lifelong New York Giants and Boston Red Sox fan, passions he shared with all of his children and grandchildren, and anyone who would listen. An avid golfer, Bill enjoyed time on and off the course with his fellow golf enthusiasts at The Farms Country Club (Wallingford, CT). A longtime resident of Cheshire, Bill’s happy places were Jupiter, Florida, and Candlewood Lake in New Milford, CT. 

More than anything Bill loved his family fiercely. Family get-togethers with Bill were notoriously fun, always filled with love and laughter. He was a prolific storyteller, passionate about sharing family history, traditions, and words of wisdom. His lively banter prompted his grandchildren to capture his infamous expressions in a book of Grampy-isms. 

He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory his one true love, Linda, his son William Donahue Jr and his wife Cathy of New Milford, CT, his son Todd Donahue of Missoula MT; his beloved grandchildren Katherine Donahue Hogan (Daniel) of Plantsville, CT, Rebecca Donahue of Philadelphia, PA, Maxwell Donahue (Alina) of Missoula, MT, William Donahue III of Southington, CT and Casey Donahue of Missoula, MT; his brother, John Donahue, and his wife Shelley of Watertown, CT; his sister, Nancy Niven, and her husband, David of Southbury, CT and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren who hold their Uncle Bill in a special place in their lives. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Frank Donahue (wife Carol Donahue of Colts Neck NJ). 

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at Livewell in Plantsville who supported Bill and his family with the dignity and respect he deserved. 

Arrangements – Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. On Monday morning Mr. Donahue’s procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 am and proceed to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish-St. Bridget Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made to LiveWell, 1261 S. Main Street, Plantsville, CT 06479, or online by clicking here.