Robert N. Donegan

Robert N. Donegan, 90, passed away at his home on Thursday April 20, 2023 surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family.

Born August 3, 1932 in Manchester N.H., the only child of John and Sadie Donegan. Bob grew up in the Derry, NH area, graduated from Pinkerton Academy and the University of New Hampshire. He met his wife Monica (Keith) Donegan at Pinkerton Academy and they wed in 1954, eventually settling in Ludlow, Ma.

Joined MassMutual in 1954, where he worked for 2 years before reporting for active duty. He served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant from 1955 -1958 and in the Army Reserve from 1958 - 1963. Upon discharge from active duty, he returned to MassMutual where he oversaw some of the early data processing systems, eventually leading the Corporate Systems Dept. He retired in 1992 with 35 years of service.

Upon retirement, Bob remained active as a Senior Olympic race walker, competing at local and national events.  Bob and Monica also enjoyed their walking group who met weekly to walk and enjoy a coffee afterwards. He was a Eucharistic Minister at the former St Mary’s Parish in Ludlow and then a communicant of St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham . Bob and Monica enjoyed traveling with trips to Italy, Ireland, England and Scotland as vacations in the Berkshires and the coast of Maine and spending some time in the colder months in Florida. When not traveling they brought culture into their lives by attending many concerts at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood. They also enjoyed cheering and supporting their grandchildren’s sporting events and band concerts. His last role as caregiver for his wife was his most noble. He has provided loving care for her in their home for several years, as it was his strongest wish that she remained in the home she knows and loves.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Monica, his 4 loving children, Diane Rock and her husband Jim Brown of Wolfeboro, N.H, Robert of West Springfield, Ma, Monica Panek and her husband Bob of Belchertown, Ma., and Alan Donegan and his partner Nancy of Deland, Fl., along with six grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Bob will be held on Tuesday, April 25, with Calling Hours from 9am-11am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12noon at St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham and burial with military honors at Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association as a tribute to his wife, to help fight this disease.

To send Bob’s family an online condolence, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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