Reverend William Donnelly

1928 - 2012

Reverend William F. Donnelly, S.J.
February 28, 1928 - October 26, 2012
Resident of Santa Clara
Reverend William F. Donnelly, S.J., Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University, died suddenly October 26, 2012. He was 84 years old and had been on the Santa Clara faculty since 1969.
Father Donnelly was born in Galveston, TX on February 28, 1928. His family moved to San Mateo in 1939. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1945 and from Santa Clara University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. While at Santa Clara, he was involved in many student activities, including manager of the football team.
After graduation, he worked for Tide Water Associated Oil Company before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Los Gatos in 1951. Father Donnelly did further studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, where he received an MA in Economics in 1957. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from New York University in 1969. Theological studies were made at Alma College, Los Gatos (a campus of Santa Clara) 1960-64, and he was ordained a priest in San Francisco on June 7, 1963.
Before joining the Santa Clara faculty in 1969, Father Donnelly taught English and mathematics at Bellarmine College Preparatory and philosophy at Loyola University of Los Angeles (now known as Loyola Marymount University).
In addition to his many decades in the classroom, Father Donnelly served generously in multiple capacities at Santa Clara University, including Academic Vice President, 1973-1978, Rector of the Jesuit Community at Santa Clara, 1982-1988, member of the Board of Trustees, 1973-1978 and 1982-1988, and Chaplain of the Catala Club from 1993 until his death. In addition to his University duties, he also served on various committees and boards of the Jesuit Order.
He is survived by nieces Dianne (Mark) Bonino of San Carlos, Cathy Donnelly McAvoy of San Jose, and nephews Tim Donnelly of South Korea and Terry (Niki) Donnelly of Meridian, Idaho, as well as many grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas E. (Ted) Donnelly and his nephew Thomas Donnelly.
Visitation will take place from 3:00 - 6:00 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012 in the Mission Church on the campus of Santa Clara University. There will be a Vigil Service beginning at 5:30 pm to conclude the visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 7:30 pm that same evening in the Mission Church. Interment will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.