Bryan Keith Donnelly

Bryan Keith (Duty) Donnelly, 66, of Atwater, California, passed away unexpectedly in Modesto on October 29, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on April 22, 1959 in Lubbock, Texas to Joyce Darlene Teaff and Guy Kenneth Duty. When Bryan was one year old he lost his father in a car accident. His mother remarried and her new husband William Edward Donnelly adopted both Bryan and his brother Mark. The family moved to Hanford, California in 1966 and then settled in Merced, California in 1970.
Growing up, Bryan epitomized patience and kindness. Even from a young age, he was an adventurous spirit, always eager to explore the world around him.
While attending Merced High School, he excelled at water polo. Bryan thrived on adrenaline, whether he was rock climbing, flying, or scuba diving, always seeking the next adventure.
After high school, Bryan received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from University of San Francisco and his Master's Degree from Saint Mary's College in Moraga.
His love for the outdoors blossomed early in life. The family would camp in Yosemite every summer and Bryan loved to go backpacking. He and his siblings loved their time together playing games and going on hikes and sometimes hiding from the bears. This love of the outdoors led him to a brief career working with Fish and Game. He took this role to heart, standing tall and strong in his commitment to protect the environment he cherished. While his love for water led to a life filled with scuba diving throughout the world with his friends and wife, creating adventurous memories he held dear.
Bryan's journey continued as an EMT/Paramedic at Riggs Ambulance Service for 14 years as well as a flight paramedic for 22 years for MediFlight, roles that perfectly suited his caring nature. And if that was not enough, he also worked as a Deputy Coroner for Merced County for 10 years. His exemplary career in the Merced City Fire Department, spanned 26 years. He started as a firefighter and ultimately retired as a Division Chief - wearing many hats throughout his career; Strike Team Leader, Fire Marshal, Instructor at the National Fire Academy plus many more. He was well respected and admired and received numerous commendations and awards throughout his career. He embraced the challenge of mentoring others-an essence that defined his entire life. After retiring from Merced City Fire, Bryan was a Professor at Merced City College for almost 17 years, most of that time leading the Fire Technology Program while also shaping the EMT/Paramedic Program.
In 1990 Bryan married the love of his life, Shelley Garside McKinley. They were married for 35 years. He embraced step-fatherhood with Justin and Crystal McKinley and then welcomed his son Sean with Shelley in 1991, a proud father to all. He cherished being a grandfather and loved the time he spent with his grandchildren. He and Shelley loved to travel the seas and visit numerous countries around the world. He also loved to golf and fish and enjoyed his weekly breakfast with friends. He had such passion for gardening, taking care of his yard, reading and doting on his animals Penny and Sophie.
Beneath his calm exterior beat a heart of gold. Bryan was always there when it mattered most, offering unwavering support and sage advice and those comforting hugs that seemed to resolve any issue. Bryan had a way of making everyone feel safe and cared for; he was a true protector at heart.
Bryan's legacy of kindness, adventure, and love will remain forever etched in our hearts. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to know him. He is survived by his wife Shelley, children Justin McKinley (spouse Brianne), Crystal Marshall (spouse Micah), Sean Donnelly (spouse Mardell), grandchildren Rhyse, Abby, Zoey, Ember, and siblings Mark Donnelly (spouse Mari), Karen Haselden (spouse Jim Rakela) and Chandra Welsh (spouse Frank). He was preceded in death by mother Joyce Donnelly, father Guy Duty, and stepfather William Donnelly.
Celebration of Life will be held at Turlock Golf and Country Club
Wednesday November 12, 2025 at 1:30pm
*Dress Code
Formal dress and strapless/spaghetti strap evening wear is permitted, Collared Shirts, Turtlenecks, and sweaters.
Please, No tee shirts or exercise attire, No "Message Shirts" No hats, and shorts must have a 5 inch inseam
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