Patrick J. Donnelly

DONNELLY Patrick J. Donnelly, age 77, beloved husband of Eileen Koetsch Donnelly of Stevenson, and Starks, Maine, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside, January 6, 2010 in his home. Born in Milford, December 4, 1932, son of the late Herbert and Margaret Cowell Donnelly, Pat was raised in Stratford on Pleasure Beach were his family lived year round in the cottage that his grandfather built and eventually lost when Stratford served eviction notices to all cottage owners. While growing up on the island, he worked at the old amusement park until it closed and spent much of his time on the water fishing and duck hunting. His family survived the Hurricane of 1938 while a resident on the one time island. He also was a driver with the Ward Beam Stunt Car Shows and the World Famous Canadian Auto Dare Devils. He also drove half/midget race cars, enjoyd bowling and won the state championship one year. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was a member of Port 5 Naval Veterans, the Stevenson and Oxford Volunteer Fire Departments. A member of the Maine Sportsmans Alliance and a life member of the NRA, he was involved with the Carpenter Steel Rifle Club shooting big bore rifle matches at Blue Trail Range. In 2000, he received a Maine Moose Permit and was successful taking a 900 pound moose with a 48 inch rack. In 1965, he and his family started to spend their summers in Starks, Maine and started fixing up a old farm house to live in. 2009 was the only year he did not go to his beloved Maine due to the progression of the cancer that he has fought with for the last six years. He was employed over the years for Carpenter Steel and, Dolan Steel he also was a delivery man for PF Casket Sales and Sid Harvey. Survivors in addition to Eileen include three children, Patrick C. Donnelly, Peggy Ann Kelley and Lee and Robert Maisano; six grandchildren Jessica, Thomas, Chrystal, Kevin, Jasmine and CJ.; two great-grandchildren, Kevyin and Carter; one sister, Marge Trotta; his extended family, Robert and Jeanine Koetsch, Peggy and Richie Liscensky and Bernie and Betsy Koetsch; and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend his funeral on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford. Interment in Zoar Cemetery, Route 34, Newtown. Visiting hours will be Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name for multiple myoloma research.