Gerald "Gerry" A. Donnelly

Gerald "Gerry" A. Donnelly obituary, Oak Lawn, IL

Gerald "Gerry" A. Donnelly

Gerald "Gerry" A. Donnelly Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 6, 2023.
Gerald A. "Gerry" Donnelly, Jr., 81, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023. He was born on September 18, 1942, in New York, New York. Gerry served in the Army from 1962 to 1964.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marylee; daughters Jennifer Donnelly, Stacy (Ryan) Riordan; grandchildren Keira Donnelly, Mae Riordan; and brother Desmond. Gerry was preceded in death by his mother, Jane, and father, Gerald.

He enjoyed a long career in retail management with JCPenney and later managing the Village Mall in Danville, Illinois. His passions included swimming, sailing and all things White Sox related (you should see his hat and t-shirt collection!). He enjoyed traveling and exploring cultures and was very proud of his Irish heritage. Gerry also loved a good, spirited debate, so much so that you could sometimes find him arguing both sides of the same debate! And, of course no interaction with him ended without much laughter.

Gerry and Marylee were members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola, Florida for many years before relocating to be near family in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Once in Oak Lawn, Gerry & Marylee joined the Beverly Unitarian Church and quickly looked for ways to integrate themselves into their new community.

A remembrance service will be held on December 9, 2023, 1:00 pm at Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643. Please bring your stories and memories to share or ears to listen. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Beverly Unitarian Church c/o migrant support (address provided above).

Gerry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Sláinte!

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

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