Inwood, Manhattan, NY 
​Where it all began...

Chick Donohue was born was born and raised in the Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood. At the age of 17, he left New York City to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. After his discharge, he spent several years at sea while employed as a Merchant Mariner. His work as a seaman took him to numerous foreign ports, including Saigon, during the Vietnam War. In 1968, Chick ventured back into Vietnam to track down his friends serving there to provide support, solace and a beer -- just as the deadly Tet Offensive was launched. When he was finished working around the globe, he settled back in New York, where he became a Sandhog – or tunnel builder. His interest in protecting the rights of working people led to him becoming the Legislative and Political Director of Sandhogs, Local 147, Laborers International Union of North America, a post in which he served for over three decades. In 2008, Chick served as Executive Producer on the History Channel production of the series, “Sandhogs,” which highlighted the unique brotherhood and talents of the union members who build the tunnels under New York City. Chick is a graduate of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he received his Master of Public Administration degree. During the Troubles in his beloved Ireland, Chick co-founded the New York Friends of Ireland, which continues to serve as a nonsectarian, nonpolitical nonprofit which supports efforts for peace in all of Ireland, primarily focused on children. He is happily married to Theresa “Terri” O’Neil and has 3 children: Sean, Brian and Audra. He is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Sofia, Patrick and Isabella Donohue, and Colm, Niamh and Rory O’Donovan. He spends his time between New York, Florida, and West Cork, Ireland.

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