Headstone of Ronald Donahue
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Ronald Donahue

1959

Ronald J. Donahue served the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Trooper Ronald Donahue was shot and killed after he and his partner attempted to arrest a group of men who were creating a disturbance outside the Justice of The Peace office near Bombay. Trooper Donahue and his partner had arrested a suspect earlier in the day and brought him in front of a judge for arraignment. After the arraignment, the suspect's friends created a disturbance outside the office. When Trooper Donahue and his partner attempted to arrest the men, a struggle ensued, and one of the suspects gained control of Trooper Donahue's gun. The suspect shot and wounded Trooper Donahue's partner and shot and killed Trooper Donahue. Trooper Donahue's partner was able to return fire and wound the suspect, who was then taken into custody. The suspect was convicted of manslaughter on June 24, 1960. He received a suspended sentence and was placed on probation for five years. The Association of Former New York State Troopers charged that Franklin County Court officials had grossly mishandled the case. The general public was outraged. Trooper Donahue was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served 11 months with the New York State Police and was assigned to Troop B at Massena.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, one brother, and two sisters.
Photograph of Ronald Donahue
Photograph of Ronald Donahue
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
New York State Police
Trooper
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpdcqajgatqch14hd8n4
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ronald. Claim this record.

Be the first to honor Ronald.

Leave a Tribute