Joseph M. Donnelly
Joseph M. Donnelly
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Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His joy, generosity, and love will forever remain in our hearts.
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In Loving Memory of Joseph Donnelly
Joseph Mary Donnelly formerly of Lansing, MI, passed June 27 in Cape Coral, FL, surrounded by his family. In his final days, even as family sought to comfort Joe, he graciously eased their sadness by interjecting his infectious humor and loving spirit. Joe brought joy and light to everyone who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Ann; their children, Michael (Laura), Patricia, Ann, and John (Brooke); and their cherished grandchildren, Katie, Megan, Kelly, Lauren, Dakota, Claire, and Kellan. Joe's legacy also lives on in his great-grandchildren, Liam and Ila Rose. He is also survived by his sisters, Jane Daly and Judy Tremel. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Mary; his brothers, Jim, Tom, and Dick; and his sister, Pat.
Joe proudly served in the United States Army and went on to teach high school history and social sciences with a passion for education and young minds. A man of deep faith, he was also an avid sports fan - especially devoted to Michigan State University football and basketball.
He nurtured in his children the values of kindness, creativity, imagination, and compassion, not only through words but by the way he lived. His wife, children, sisters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember his impromptu stories and drawings, his thoughtful cards and flowers for every occasion, and the genuine, undivided attention he gave to their interests and lives.
Words fall short of capturing Joe's boundless love for his family, or the depth of his intelligence, passion, wit, and humor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him - husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord.
In lieu of flowers, please have masses said for Joe at St. Katharine Drexel or your local parish.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 8 at 1:00 p.m.
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church
1922 SW 20th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33991
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Dan DuByne
July 24, 2025
Mr Donnelly taught with and was friends with my father Tom Dubyne at Haslett High School for many, many years. I remember having in a class. He was firm but fair. Rest in peace Mr Donnelly.
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