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John Donley Obituary
John R. Donley
Nov. 4, 1935 - April 4, 2020
John R. Donley passed away at home, surrounded by family on April 4, 2020. He was born to Ruth and Henry Donley on November 4, 1935. He spent his youth in Valparaiso, graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1953. He went on to attend Valparaiso Technical School and Purdue Calumet NW.
He was a member of Divine Providence Polish National Catholic Church in Gary, where he married the love of his life, Marcella, in 1959, and St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
John proudly served as a Marine during the Korean War, and upon returning from duty found work at US Steel. He was an electronic repairman and taught the Apprenticeship Program at USS. He was then promoted to Management at USS and was Chairman of the Electronic Advisory committee at Ivy Tech.He retired from USS in 1993 with 38 years of service.
John was a devoted Bears fan and avid golfer. He was the Golf Chairman and also served as president of the Gary Works Supervisors Club for several years. He has the distinguished honor of being the first golfer at the Supervisors Club to make a hole in one.
He is survived by his wife, Marcella (nee Mroz) Donley of 61 years; daughter, Doreen (David) Ronzani and son, John H Donley (fiancee Fawn Prahlow); grandchildren: Bradley J Badovinac, Kyle PJ Donley, Alyssa N Donley, and Connor H. Donley; sister-in-law, Mary (Dan) Donley-Whitler; several step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his Angelic grandbaby, Kaitlyn Mckenzie Donley; beloved sister Sharon (William) Lepird and beloved brother James; parents Ruth and Henry Donley; and in-laws, Josef & Mary Mroz.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on June 18, 2021 with visitation from 10:30 until time of service at CALUMET PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville. V. Rev. Fr. Charles Zawistowski officiating. Interment with military honors to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.
Family requests no flowers, memorials to Ronald McDonald house 5444 S Drexel Avenue Chicago, IL 60615 or to the family. www.mycalumetpark.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Donley
2 Entries
George J Dimoff
July 2, 2024
John Donley was my very good supervisor in Electronics at USS steel, Gary Works, Gary Indiana. I found out late about John passing away, since I live in Clearwater, Florida and Crown Point Indiana.
John knew electronics tremendously, He was a very knowledgeable and clever management personnel also.
Being a marine in his past, he had me stay in electronics with two more years in the apprentice program with a deferment. In order not for me to go into the service but to stay home and take care of my older parents. Which was serving my country in a different very important way.
John Donley was also loved and appreciated by many men in USS main corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Being retired I miss John for who he was and what he personally did for me.
Doreen Ronzani
June 16, 2021
The family has canceled the funeral. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.
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Memorial Events
for John Donley
Jun
18
Visitation
10:30 a.m.
Calumet Park Funeral Chapel - Merrillville7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410
Jun
18
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Calumet Park Funeral Chapel - Merrillville7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410
Funeral services provided by:
Calumet Park Funeral Chapel - Merrillville7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410
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