Donoghue was born in New York City on May 24, 1957. In addition to being a Financial Advisor with Baltimore-based investment firm Legg Mason, Delegate Donoghue has been active in several organizations. He is a past president of the Washington County Unit of the American Cancer Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus, (4th degree). Additionally, he was a member of the City Council of Hagerstown from 1989 until 1990. He has been a member of the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland since 1991, a member of the Citizens Advisory Board for Western Maryland Center since 1992, and co-chair of the Task Force to Review Physician Shortages in Rural Areas since 2008.