John was born to James and Shirley (Kenrick) Donahue in Detroit, Michigan on November 6, 1952. He grew up in Sterling Heights and graduated from Stevenson High School in 1970. He began his college education at Macomb Community College, then earned his BBA and master’s degree in accounting from Walsh College. In 1990, he earned his financial planning certification at Oakland University. John was a dedicated and respected financial manager for Ross Roy, later BBDO Worldwide, for 33 years. He ended his successful career with ten years at Stellantis as a budget analyst in marketing until his retirement in 2021.
John married the love of his life Diane Schwark on September 2,1989 in Clinton Township, MI. They welcomed their beloved daughter, Haley, in 1993. John enjoyed exploring Michigan with his family and spending time outdoors. He was well-known around the neighborhood and Innovation Hills Park, where he would take daily walks with Diane and his four-legged friends (Maddie). He was passionate about advising many people on investments and financial planning. John was a sports fan (go blue!), collector of vintage Japanese motorcycles, old car enthusiast, and loved listening to classic rock. He was a very positive person and would help any person or animal in need and talked to anyone he met. Time spent with his family was the most valuable to him, and he was proud of his biggest accomplishment, raising his daughter Haley.
John is survived by his loving wife Diane Donahue; daughter Haley (Korey) Cook; siblings Carol (Carl) Ruby, Ken (Terri) Donahue, Paul (Angie) Donahue, Norm (Teresa) Ellsasser, Joe (Jill) Ellsasser; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and special friends.
John’s family will welcome all to a visitation on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. instate) at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 W. University Drive in Rochester, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to St. John Lutheran Church’s All2Jesus Expansion Fund or to the Michigan Humane Society.
