John William Donahey (August 26, 1905 – March 2, 1967) was an American businessman, government official, and politician from Ohio. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service as the 53rd lieutenant governor of Ohio from 1959 to 1963.
In 1952, Donahey was an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senator. In 1954 and 1956, he ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer. In 1958, he was the successful Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor and he served from 1959 to 1963. In 1962, Donahey was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for state auditor. After leaving office, Donahey worked as the Small Business Administration's regional director for Ohio.
Donahey died at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, on March 5, 1967, after he suffered a heart attack while recovering from surgery. He was buried at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia.
During his father's term as governor, Donahey served as the commission clerk in the governor's office.[9] He subsequently worked as a field supervisor for the Motorists’ Mutual Insurance Company of Columbus and the Donahey Insurance Agency.[10] Donahey married Gertrude Walton in 1930.[3] She was a longtime senior staff member for U.S. Senator Stephen M. Young, then served twelve years (1971-1983) as Ohio State Treasurer.[11] They were the parents of a son, John W. Donahey Jr. (1935-2006).[12][13]
In 1933, Donahey joined the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, where he worked as a loan examiner until 1951.[12] After leaving the RFC, Donahey was the founder and president of Poco Corporation.[12] Poco was a venture which conducted research and experimentation to identify new industrial, food, and farming uses for surplus grain.[4]
In 1958, Donahey ran successfully for lieutenant governor.[10] He served one term, 1959 to 1963.[10] As lieutenant governor, Donahey prioritized economy and low taxes, and set an example by returning to the state treasury part of the budget for his office at the end of each fiscal year.[10]
In February 1967, Donahey was admitted to Grant Hospital in Columbus, where he underwent surgery.[10] During his post-surgery recovery, Donahey suffered a fatal heart attack, and he died on March 2.[10] Donahey was buried at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia.[3]
