NEW YORK – Robert ‘Bob’ Donus, of Long Island, NY, died on June 9 from complications after an accidental fall. He was born on June 19, 1942, the son of late George (from Lemnos, Greece) and Cecil (from New York, NY), and is survived by Andrew Donus of Commack, NY, Melanie Donus (daughter-in-law), Diana Donus of Denver, CO, his three grandsons, Dimitrios, 18, Michael, 18, Maxximus, 12, and his beloved Boston terrier, Peggy. 

Donus had an immense love of learning, instilled by his parents, both NYU graduates.? After studying at Queens College, he furthered his education at Hofstra University where he was awarded a MA in Sociology in 1974. Upon graduation he began his teaching career at the Christopher Robin Academy, a private school founded by his parents in Springfield Gardens, NY, while simultaneously serving as the sole administrator teacher at SENACLE, a catholic charter school in Queens. In 1982, he assumed the position as Principal and Sole Proprietor of the Christopher Robin Academy until his retirement in 2010. 

Donus was a dedicated and devout member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul, Hempstead, NY, where he served on the Parish Council from 2006-2019. He was initiated into the order of AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter No. 170 in December 12, 1991 (ID #A133337) and continued 30 years of service including sitting on the Board of Governors, an elected position.?His passion for the annual Greek festival was well known throughout the community as he served as the Director of Advertising for many years traveling all over Long Island distributing flyers and placemats at diners.?Educating visitors on the rich history and iconography of the cathedral to those taking tours during the festivals brought him immense joy.?He was one of the founders of the TWOgether club, bringing together parish members to socialize and learn about volunteer opportunities on church committees, was a benefactor of the Sunday School program, and was known for his establishment and direction of the annual Greek Orthodox Men’s Luncheon in which he was given a plaque from the priests after retiring his responsibilities.?His continuous generosity and philanthropic service for church events, scholarship funds, and fundraisers were recognized throughout his lifetime. 

Donus leaves a legacy in extending a genuine and heartfelt welcome to anyone who attended the cathedral and subsequently advocated for the incorporation of English into the liturgies, prayers, and readings.?He was reputed for being the greeter with an infectious smile upon entrance at the cathedral that connected you with others in attendance based upon your interests. His welcoming in the narthex of St. Paul’s will forever be missed by all. 

The family requests donations to honor his life to be directed to the Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (nssa.net), as all three of his grandchildren have autism spectrum disorder.?While his funeral services were small due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the family plans to memorialize him formally at future Cathedral-based events and services.