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Stephen Donnelly Obituary

Stephen Patrick Donnelly of Westbrook CT passed away peacefully Wednesday Aug 19, 2020 at the age of 85. Born in New Britain CT to the late Dr. Stephen P. Donnelly and Gertrude Bardeck Donnelly Walther, Steve was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, June Walsh Donnelly of New Britain, CT. He will lovingly be remembered by his three Daughters, Elizabeth Donnelly of Westbrook, CT, Patricia Donnelly of Brookline MA, Maureen Scott and husband Thomas Scott of North Andover, MA; his three grandchildren Abbey Barrientos, Liam Scott and Patrick Scott. His two brothers Michael Donnelly and wife Joan of FL, Philip Donnelly and wife MaryEllen of MD, several nieces and nephews, and as his companion Patricia Gately. He was predeceased by his sister MaryAnn Patterson. Steve attended St. John's Preparatory School, MA and Bryant College, RI. From School he headed off to the family business, the Donnelly Brick Company which had been established by his Irish ancestors many years prior. The brick company was iconic for the red clay brick it produced. This led Steve into his lifelong career of brick sales where he continued to work right up until his death. Steve had a zest for life which left no stone unturned. As a result, he had numerous fiends who loved being in his company. He was a man of many words and stories and his fast wit and sense of humor was infectious and will always be remembered. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved cruising around Long Island Sound on his pontoon boat to the sounds of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. He taught his daughters and grandchildren the ways of the waters and how to respect the sea. We shed a tear that he is with us no more, wear a grin to all the happiness and humor he brought to all. His was a life well lived. Loved by everyone who knew him. He left quite a mark on all the lives he touched. He will be missed. A private services and burial will be held in Westbrook CT. for online condolences, visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 23, 2020.

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David Dembowski

March 25, 2021

Belated condolences to Patricia, Beth & Maureen. Steve certainly brought a smile and laughter to all he met. God Bless him and June.

Herbert L Fenster

November 16, 2020

Steve Donnelly and I were classmates at the Robert J Vance School, in New Britain. He and Bob Tata and Ronnie Foster (and others) played touch football in the park-like triangle up the hill from the school. Also a classmate was Dorann Heslin: she and I became life-long friends.

Patti (Daigle) D’Onofrio

August 29, 2020

Beth, Patty, and Maureen

I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’ll always remember his larger than life personality and infectious smile, he was a great man!

Thoughts and Prayers

Robert Oliveri

August 27, 2020

Beth,
I'm very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You, your family and dad will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobby O

Robin Palazzo

August 24, 2020

Our deepest condolences to all of Steve’s family. We shared many happy times with both Steve and June.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Doug and Helen Driscoll

Professor Emeritus Robert Tata

August 24, 2020

Steve and I were the two "Macho Rivals" in 6th grade in Robert J. Vance school. We had many good times playing basketball in the Donnelly Pavilion on Reservoir Road. We lost track in Jr. High, but I remember our friendship playing sports with Ron Foster and our war drives.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

James Payton

Planted Trees

The Granato & Intravia Families

August 24, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. So many great memories of your Dad and ours sharing pizza's at the beach and boat rides. Those were the good old days. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy and Joe Kelly

August 24, 2020

Beth, Patty, Maureen , Pat and Phil,
So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. A great guy and friend to so many. So glad I was able to see him when het got back from Florida. I will be with you in spirit this morning.
Joe Kelly

John and Mary Ann Downes and the whole Downes Family

August 23, 2020

It is too bad that the Downes family cannot mourn in person at the funeral service for Steve. We go way back with Steve, all the way to Miss Linder’s dancing classes. He certainly had great 85 years. He was a great husband, father and friend. He was famous for his wit. We will all miss him.

bill bennett

August 23, 2020

Deepest condolences to the family of my lifelong friend and neighbor at the beach. You will be missed. Remember the brickyard.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Janice D'Annolfo

Planted Trees

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