Robert Donohoe Papers

Robert Donohoe, Right Reverend Monsignor of the Roman Catholic Church, was born to Joseph and Ellen Donohoe in Williamsburg, Iowa, on October 31, 1912. He moved to Arizona with his parents in 1927 and graduated from Brophy Preparatory High School in Phoenix in 1930. Donohoe studied at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California and at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained in 1937 and assigned to the Diocese of Tucson, where he served alternately as assistant pastor of the Tucson and Nogales parishes and as pastor protem of Bisbee, Arizona. In 1940, Donohoe was called upon to found St. Agnes Church in Phoenix.

In 1951, Father Donohoe was appointed Dean of Maricopa County and was elevated to the status of Monsignor. He also served as the Director of Community Relations and aided senior citizens. In 1972, he undertook further theological studies at the North American College in Rome. Thereafter, he left St. Agnes Parish for Diocesan service.

Monsignor Donohoe was also very active in community affairs. His memberships included the Phoenix 40, Phoenix's Operation LEAP and Human Relations Commissions, the Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services, and the Board of Consultors of the Tucson Diocese. He was also the Chairman of the Diocesan Music, Liturgy and Art Commission and of the Diocesan Commission on Ecumenism.

Monsignor Donohoe lived in semi-retirement and rendered occasional service to the Bishop of Phoenix until his death on March 17, 1999.