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Charles Donelan Obituary
Charles Donelan had a long career as a distinguished attorney and a member of the Massachusetts Bar and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He graduated from Dedham High, where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete, excelling in football and track. Donelan then received a Bachelor's degree from Yale University (53) and J.D. from Georgetown. Between Yale and Georgetown, Donelan served in the U.S. Navy as an officer on submarines based in Key West. He was married to Ann Hanley immediately prior to attending law school and the couple began their married lives together in Washington, D.C.
Donelan's extraordinary career as a litigator began in the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division under Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Donelan left Washington shortly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy to accept a position with Bowditch, Gowetz and Lane (now Bowditch and Dewey) in Worcester, Ma, where he remained until 1982. Among his many clients while practicing in Worcester were Wyman Gordon, American Optical and the Rossignol Ski Company.
Leaving Worcester for Boston in 1982, Donelan founded th Boston office of Connecticut's largest law firm, then Day, Berry and Howard, now Day, Pitney. In addition to his outstanding perforamcne as a litigator, Donelan was a valued member of several communities, including Chestnut Hill, MA, Little Compton, RI and Kennebunkport, ME., in eachof which he and Mrs. Donelan maintained their residences. Throughout his life, Donelan maintained an exemplary humility and grace under pressue that will never be forgotten by those who knew him and who frequently sought his wise counsel. To the end he remained a serene and noble spirit, kind in thought, word and deed, without bitterness or anger and filled with warmth and love that will live on in the memories of those who knew him.
Visitings hours will beheld at Fern Acres Funeral Home, 72 Willow Avenue, Little Compton, RI from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, November 14. A funeral service will be held at St. Catherine's of Siena Church on the Commons of Little Compton at 10am on Saturday November 15.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Donelan
Vicky Markantonis
December 1, 2008
My prayers and sympathies are with you. I had the pleasure of working with Charlie at Day, Berry & Howard. In fact, he came to my wedding together with Rick Reynolds. I remember his advice in beginning married life, and will never forget the sense of humor he had in sharing his wisdom. He will be sorely missed. He truly was the best!
Kevin L. Carroll
November 18, 2008
Charlie Donelan was one of the most gutsy and positive persons that I have ever met. His achievement in the law speaks for itself. A true and steadfast gentleman in the wake of devastating illness and heartbreak.
Mary Sullivan
November 14, 2008
I was very lucky to have worked with Charlie at Day, Berry & Howard. He was a wonderful man and had a great sense of humor. With sympathy,
Jack Sahagian
November 14, 2008
Our condolences to the entire Donelan family.
Jack and Betty Sahagian
Narragansett, R.I. &
Largo, Fl.
Linda Peller
November 14, 2008
I was very, very sad when Bryan Kellett phoned to tell me of the loss of "Charlie". I had known Charlie through my work as a secretary to Bryan Kellett for a very long time. He was a super person and will be missed by everyone that came in to contact with him.
My sincere condolences to all the family.
Linda Peller
Vicki & Raleigh Costa
November 13, 2008
Anne didn't know your dad but very sorry for your loss
Vicki & Raleigh
Cindy Grondin
November 13, 2008
Charlie was a kind, sweet man and a true gentleman. I am greatful to have known him.
My sympathy to his family and friends.
Cindy Grondin
Day Pitney
(Day Berry & Howard)
Carolyn Killian
November 13, 2008
While working at Day, Berry & Howard I was fortunate to have been seated next to Charlie's secretary, Denise, and therefore got to know Charlie and his humor. He was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. Blessings to his family.
Bryan Kellett
November 13, 2008
Charlie and I first met when he acted as attorney for me but our professional relationship soon developed into a firm personal friendship. Charlie enjoyed visiting England and I, with a number of British colleagues, always enjoyed our return visits. He was a warm, generous and hospitable man. It was a priviledge to have known him.
Kate Perrelli
November 13, 2008
This a very sad time for Charlie's dear family and friends. I will miss him very much. I find some solace in knowing the Charlie is at peace and with his beloved Ann. What a team they were.
Charlie was a dear, dear friend and mentor to me. I had the good fortune to start working with him at the begining of my legal career. I have so many fond memories of him, which I will hold on to forever. He loved every part of being a lawyer - mentoring and teaching young lawyers, preparing clients for the rigors of litigation, winning new business, traveling (particularly to London), strategizing, and his biggest love -- trying cases. His enthusiasm for the law and love of life was contagious and left its mark on me. Those of us who had the distinct pleasure of working with Charlie will honor his memory by continuing to apply in our own practices and lives the wonderful things he taught us, the most of important of which are grace and humility. My sincere sympathy to his family. He loved you all deeply - his friends knew far more about your lives than perhaps you ever knew. He was very proud of you all.
Joe Wadland
November 13, 2008
Charlie was one of my first mentors in the practice of law. As men go, he was kind and great. He was a father, brother, friend and pal to me and taught me the meaning of grace and humility. He also had a sharp wit and we had more laughs while traveling whether it was the short ride to Bridgewater or weeks at a time in San Francisco. If I could be one tenth of the man Charlie was I would be very happy. My sincere condolences to Charlie's children and grandchildren. Your Dad and Grandfather was the best of the best.
Mark Petersen
November 13, 2008
A true gentleman, and more fun to work with than anyone I have known. My condolences to the Donelan family.
DENNIS BRENNAN
November 13, 2008
HON. DENNIS J. BRENNAN (RETIRED) EXTENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE DONELAN FAMILY ON ITS LOSS.
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