Robert L. Donoher, a longtime Allentown resident whose community involvement ranged from environmental preservation to leadership in the local Lions Club, died Sunday, Nov. 8, at Serenity Hospice in Hamilton. He was 88.
Known to many residents as Bob, Donoher spent years participating in organizations dedicated to improving the borough and helping its residents. His volunteer work included service on the Allentown Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission, along with numerous leadership positions in the Allentown Lions Club.
And to many in the community, he was remembered by another name: the “Halloween Chip Man.” The nickname, mentioned in his obituary, reflected another side of his connection to the community he called home for much of his life.
Born Aug. 23, 1938, in Trenton, Donoher was the son of Leo V. and Anna Donoher. He served in the U.S. Navy and later owned and operated Donoher Distribution, combining his business career with an extensive record of community service.
Much of that service came through the Allentown Lions Club, an organization that has served the borough and surrounding communities since 1939. Donoher served as the club’s treasurer, secretary and president, taking on responsibilities that supported its operations and charitable activities.
His involvement extended beyond Allentown. He also served as a zone chairman and deputy district governor of Lions International, positions involving leadership and coordination among Lions clubs across the region. His work was recognized with a special service award from the Lions District 16B Eye Foundation.
The Allentown Lions Club supports a variety of community programs, including vision screenings for children, eyeglass recycling, scholarships for local students and the lending of medical equipment to residents in need. Its activities also include an annual Easter egg hunt, fishing tournament, Memorial Day parade, fundraising events and support for local organizations.
The club’s scholarships benefit Allentown High School students, including those pursuing agricultural education through Future Farmers of America. It also provides wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment for temporary use by area residents without charge.
Donoher’s years in club leadership placed him within a longstanding tradition of volunteer service in the borough.
His commitment to Allentown also extended to municipal government, where he served on two commissions responsible for protecting the borough’s natural resources and maintaining its character. As a member of the Environmental Commission, Donoher participated in a municipal body concerned with conservation, environmental planning and the protection of natural resources. The commission’s responsibilities include studying environmental issues, recommending conservation programs and advising borough officials on the protection and use of open space.
His service on the Shade Tree Commission involved another important part of Allentown’s identity: the preservation of its trees and streetscape. The commission oversees matters involving the planting, maintenance and protection of shade and ornamental trees on borough property and public land. Its work includes recommendations concerning tree removal, replacement and preservation, as well as efforts to maintain the borough’s tree canopy.
Together, the two commissions play a role in Allentown’s efforts to preserve its natural surroundings. Donoher’s participation reflected his involvement in the volunteer work of local government.
In addition to his civic activities, Donoher was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Allentown.
He and his wife, Joyce, were married for 65 years. Donoher was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Lawrence Donoher; and his son-in-law, Stephen Hornyak. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. and Debbie Donoher, and his daughter, Susan Hornyak.
He is also survived by grandchildren Patrick and Melissa Donoher, Rian and Amanda Donoher, Kyle and Jessica Donoher, Amanda Hornyak, Skylar Hornyak, and Christopher Hornyak and his fiancée, Alexa Happ. His four great-grandchildren are Rileigh, Colton, Remi and Cooper Donoher. He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Lester and Kathleen Vandermark, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
