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BORN
1955
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Donnelly Obituary
"Bob"
AGE: 58 • Newark
Bob Donnelly, 58, of Wilmington, DE passed away in his home Saturday, June 14th, 2014. He was a professor at Goldey-Beacom College and the International School of Management in Paris, textbook author, and professional photographer. He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, hiking, traveling, and routing for the Packers. He earned his PhD, MBA, and BS from the Univ. of Delaware. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; three children, Christin Green (Mel), Brian (fiancé Lindsay), and John (fiancé Christine); three step-children, Katie Nelson (Josh), Sam Park, and Jeff Park; three grandchildren, Adam Green, Caleb and Kassia Nelson; and three brothers, Joe, Mike, and Patrick Donnelly. Services will be held at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road Newark, on Thursday, June 19th at 3:30pm with visitation beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will be held privately with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob can be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Donnelly
Robert McConkie
June 11, 2025
Bob set an example of accomplishment. His book about statistics is evidence of that. I remember chatting with him about student evaluations. He was pleasant -- liked to smile -- enjoyable to converse with. To the Donnelly family--know that we miss him.
James Foley
October 14, 2018
Debbie,
I never knew Dr. Donnelly (Bob) personally but I feel like I have gotten to know him through his work. I am currently taking an Analytics based class for my MBA and by far his writing style and ability to explain things in the book we are using is the best I have ever read. Seven weeks into my class I went looking for his online profile to thank him for the amazing work he has done and tell him how much I am enjoying the class because of him. When I found this I was shocked and sad. He was...is...a great man and I wish I could have met him. His legacy will always live with me as a teacher who made learning fun and easier.
James Foley
June 30, 2014
Debbie and family,
All of Bob's friends at Pearson are keeping you in our thoughts. Bob was lovely to work with and so well respected in the academic and publishing communities. We all will miss him and his kindness.
Warmly, Deirdre Lynch
Gwen Derr
June 25, 2014
My heart ached when I read of Dr. Donnelly's passing. One of my favorite graduate professors at GBC, Dr. Donnelly was challenging but equally supportive. He truly cared about his students, and instilled a confidence in me that other professors had not. My sincere sympathies to the Donnelly family, and all who are pained by his loss.
Terry Lindenberg
June 19, 2014
Debbie,
It was a great pleasure to get to know you and Bob while working together. He was very helpful and supportive in all ways. A truly nice man.
We offer our condolences to you and your family.
Kate and Terry
Erika Marsillac
June 19, 2014
Dr. Donnelly was my teacher many years ago, and he made an indelible mark on my academic career. He was an incredible teacher, who pushed every student to do his or her very best. A generation of GBC students benefited from his guidance. We will miss you.
Lauren Scheetz
June 19, 2014
Just this past fall semester I had Dr. Donnelly for Operations Management, probably one of the most challenging courses at Goldey-Beacom. I struggled quite a bit throughout this course until I finally went to him for help. One thing that he told me was "I don't blame the grades on you, if you get a low grade, I blame myself that I haven't succeeded in teaching you." That was the first time I ever had a teacher tell me that the grade I got, was their fault. After that meeting, I never got a low test grade in his class again. He was a professor that genuinely cared about all of his students succeeding. He will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to his family.
June 19, 2014
Dear Debbie and family!
What a sad news indeed - May God grant him peace in the other life, Amen.
Its a great loss for all of us who knew Bob - a great human-being indeed!
May God grant you and your family patience in this hour of trial, Amen.
Dr. Hibbi Omar
GBC
Maryann Griffin
June 19, 2014
Debbie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am truly saddened to hear this news, and send my heartfelt condolences to all of Dr. Donnelly's family and friends. He was a great professor and a wonderfully caring person.
June 18, 2014
Dear Christin, Brian, and John: I am so so sorry that you have lost your precious dad way too soon. My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. I know your strength comes from the Lord and the example of faith and goodness and selflessness from your Mom, Eileen, will help your family to find joy again. With great sadness, Sandy Clark
June 18, 2014
Dear Debbie and the family:
I'm so very sorry for your loss. It is a loss to all of us. No word can express the level of sadness and sorrow we feel for losing Bob. May God help you during this hard time. You are in our prayers.
Fatma Abdel-Raouf
June 18, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Veronica Peters
June 18, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had Professor Donnelly as an undergrad and just this past spring as a graduate professor. He taught me a lot of very useful things that I will not forget. My condolences are with you all.
June 18, 2014
Dr. Donnelly was an excellent professor who truly had a passion for teaching. My deepest sympathy to his family and the entire GBC community.
Christa Scheffler
Richard Bender
June 18, 2014
Very sad to hear as Dr. Donnelly was one of my favorite professors throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs. My condolences for loss. May god bless your family.
Janet Robinson
June 18, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
The Robinson Family
Kathy Knox
June 18, 2014
Please accept my sympathy and prayers. He was a kind, talented and generous man.
Mohammad Ilyas
June 18, 2014
At Goldey-Beacom College, we have lost a remarkable friend and educator. His openness, his warmth, and his dedication to students will never be forgotten. His impact on so many young lives is a living memorial and a true testament to a life well-spent in the service of others. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends.
Mohammad Ilyas, President
Goldey-Beacom College
Stephanie Oswald
June 17, 2014
Wow. I am truly saddened and shocked to hear of this news. Dr Donnelly was a great professor and mentor. Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.
Mario Munoz
June 17, 2014
Dear Debbie and family,
Bob was my mentor at GBC, my partner on the golf course, and more importantly my friend in life. He always overwhelmed me with his kindness and his sudden departure makes my heart ache. Chichi joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to you all.
With my warmest regards,
Mario Munoz
June 17, 2014
Shocked and so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts. Jeff & Lisa Campbell
Debby Hoover
June 17, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The Hoover Family
Neal Isaac
June 17, 2014
I remember Bob as a kind and an intelligent man. My prayers are with his family and with all those at Goldey-Beacom College with whom he served.
Robert McConkie
June 17, 2014
Debbie,
As a faculty member of Goldey-Beacom College, I would like to say how much I enjoyed chatting with your husband. Although he accomplished much, he was "un-hurried" when we talked. A good calming influence. I will miss him--my thoughts and prayers to you.
June 17, 2014
Debbie
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette and Mike Cleary
June 17, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Faccendas
June 17, 2014
Debbie and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Of course, a flood of great Drummond Hill Pool and Swim Team memories overcame us. He was a truly good man, and will be terribly missed by many, many people fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Our love and prayers are with you all.
-The Faccenda Family
Roman Erenshteyn
June 17, 2014
Dear Debbie and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Bob was a great person, professional, and absolutely incredible friend. He will be in our hearts forever. Love, Marina & Roma Erenshteyn
Gregg & Anne Marie Lodes
June 16, 2014
From an old Irish headstone:
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Katherine Degliobizzi
June 16, 2014
Dear Debbie and family...So very sorry for your loss. It was evident during the time that we spent with him, how much he loved all of you. There is little we can say to ease your pain. Please know that you are in our families' thoughts and prayers. Mark and Kathie DegliObizzi
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