Cliff passed away August 28, 2024, peacefully, at home, after his final round of golf and his favorite dinner. Born June 9, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to Clifford L Donahower and Helen (Wills) Donahower, he was the 3rd of the 3 Donahower brothers.
Educated at The Meadowbrook School, The William Penn Charter School, and Dartmouth, Cliff studied economics and golf, serving as captain of the Dartmouth golf team his senior year. Following graduation in 1956, Cliff served 2 years in the US Army, stationed in Paris, France. Following his return to the US, Cliff worked for Armstrong Corporation in Buffalo, NY. It was there that he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Linnea. They married on Thanksgiving weekend 1962. After moving to Fairport, NY in 1969, Cliff was the President/Owner of Ontario Building Supply in Rochester. He was a longtime member of Locust Hill CC, a member of the Fairport Rotary, a board member of the Fairport Baptist Home, a 20-year volunteer at Advent House, an avid golfer, a lifelong Eagles fan, and a beleaguered supporter of the Buffalo Bills.
Cliff was predeceased by his parents, his brother J David Donahower, and his wife. Surviving are his children Karen, Carl (Catherine) and Thomas (Sonia), and his 5 grandchildren Drew, David, Olivia, Spencer, and Owen. Also surviving are his brother Allen, his nephews Christopher, David, James and Michael, and his niece, Abigail.
Cliff loved his family, golf, and the Bills, in that order. His dedication as a father and husband was unlike any other. His family and friends are better for having known him.
Celebration of Life to be held Saturday September 28 at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS Society are appreciated.
Say hi to mom and dad, Ann and Linnea for me, Uncle Cliff. I’m so happy you loved a long and wonderful life and had Karen to look after you. ❤️
We remember your Mom and Dad well from our time living in Fairport and attending Bethlehem. Wonderful people, love by many.
Christmases with the Donahower clan were the best! How many costumes for the ‘12 days of Christmas’ sing-along did Cliff pull together? Such sweet memories
We have many fond memories of your mom and dad during the time we lived in Fairport and attended Bethlehem.
We also remember Karen, Carl, and Thomas.
Hoby and Drevvi Lowry
Mr. Donahower was a great neighbor dad in the Clarkes Crossing neighborhood. I remember him having a warm welcome for anyone who came into the pavilion at Mendon Ponds Park for the Clarkes Crossing outdoor winter party ( I might not be remembering the name of the party correctly since I was only about 10 years old). God Bless him and his family.
Andy Stockman
58 Clarkes Crossing (growing up home)
Now living in Spokane, WA