Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr. Dies At 72

Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr.
Courtesy of Donohoe Cos.
Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr.

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.

Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr., (center) next to his longtime business partner, Miller & Long's Nick Paleologos, at the Gallery Bethesda topping out ceremony.
Courtesy of Donohoe Cos.
Donohoe Cos. Chairman Robert Donohoe Sr. (center) next to his longtime business partner, Miller & Long's Nick Paleologos, at the Gallery Bethesda topping out ceremony.

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."

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Washington, D.C. Newsletters
Related Stories

The Opportunities, Limitations And Benefits Of Reserved Investor Funds

After 5 Years Of Gains, Commercial Real Estate's C-Suites Just Got Less Diverse

£1B Property Group To Buy Huge Chunk Of Collapsed NCP Car Park Empire

Pennsylvania Avenue Office Sells For Repositioning: The D.C. Deal Sheet

1,300 Projects Potentially Paused Due To Suspension Of Quality Inspectors

Walker & Dunlop On Why The Housing Market Is More Balanced Than It Appears

Georgetown Waterfront Office-To-Condo Conversion Lands Financing

Westfield Montgomery Pays Off $350M Loan As New Retailers Expand In Mall

California Duo's Ponzi-Like Investment Scheme Unravels With Bankruptcy, SEC Charges

Prominent Philly Caterer Sues Town Officials Over Vineyard Plans In Bucks County

Houston Firm Hires Former Floor & Decor Exec As President Of New Offering

Tishman Misses Payment Deadline On $450M International Square Loan