William Robert "Bill" Donnelly Jr.

DONNELLY, WILLIAM ROBERT, JR., "BILL", 50 - of Wildwood Crest, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2008 at his home. Bill was born in Freeport, Long Island, and was one of six siblings raised between North Carolina, New Jersey and New York, all of whom spent every summer in Cape May, surrounded by a large extended family. After marrying his former wife Ann Marie and fathering two children, Will and Kaitlin, the family moved from North Carolina back to Cape May. Continuing an age old tradition, the entire family gathers still each summer to enjoy each other's company and solidify the family bond. Bill was a fun loving and loyal brother to his five sisters, a devoted son to his parents, a dedicated father to his two children and a caring uncle to a growing clan of nieces and nephews. He loved music, sports, bike riding and reading. But most of all Bill loved his family. His family was the center of his life and his anchor as he battled the disease of alcoholism. Bill was always one to show up for his family, sitting with a grieving sister, getting another out of a difficult situation, showing up for his kids' sporting events, or just hanging out telling stories. Even when his failure to conquer the disease often made it impossible for him to show up the way he wanted to, he could still be counted on to send money to a sister in need, call for every birthday and deliver a heartfelt thank you for his family's assistance. Bill is loved by his family and will be held always in their thoughts and prayers. He is survived by his parents, Bill and Dorsey Donnelly of Cape May; his children Will and Kaitlin Donnelly and their mother Ann Marie Donnelly of Cape May; and his sisters, Anne Donnelly and her family of San Anselmo, CA; Evelyn Donnelly and her family of Rockland, ME; Kit Donnelly and her family of Bristol, VT, Jay Donnelly and her family of Columbia, MD; Rebecca Donnelly and her family of Baltimore, MD, and a score of extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held privately. Donations may be made in Bill's memory to Cape Counseling Services, 128 Crest Haven Rd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Please enclose a note if you would like an acknowledgement to be made to Bill and Dorsey Donnelly and/or Will and Kaitlin Donnelly. (Sudak-Danaher F.H., Cape May)