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Dennis Donnelly Obituary
Donnelly, Dennis Clark "Denny"
Dennis Clark "Denny" Donnelly, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, was born October 27, 1941 in St. Louis, MO and passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years Rebecca McDermott, and four children and nine grandchildren.
Denny was a loving father to John Donnelly (Anne), Ann Donnelly, Elizabeth Donnelly Grasso (Michael) and Joseph Donnelly (Rachel). He was an adoring grandfather known affectionately as "Pops" to Marie, Katherine and Elizabeth Anne Donnelly, Ethan, Adam and Emma Mary Grace Grasso and Madeline, Kathryn Clark and Justin Donnelly. He was "The Chief" to his siblings Bryan Donnelly (Cindy), Edward Clark Donnelly (Pam) and Catherine Donnelly Horejes (the late Thomas). Denny was a beloved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, Godfather, colleague and a friend to many.
Denny was preceded in death by his cherished wife Mary Darst Donnelly, sister Colleen Donnelly Prendergast (the late Michael) and his parents Edward Clark Donnelly and Mary Maher Donnelly.
Services: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7148 Forsyth Blvd. at Asbury, University City, on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorials appreciated to St. Louis University High School Scholarship Fund or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Lourdes. Please see Lupton Chapel website for further information.
A SERVICE OF
THE LUPTON CHAPEL
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Donnelly
Peter Heinbecker
April 24, 2025
Dennis was the best young lawyer in the Circuit Attorney´s office when I worked there in 1967. He was an example for all of us who tried to emulate him.
Pat Hagerty
June 21, 2024
I tried my first civil case against Denny Donnelly, and we remained friends for years afterward. He was a true gentleman and a professional in every sense of the word. He had a bit of "old school" in him, a lawyer who could be zealous but always cordial with his opponents. He made our profession better. God bless his family.
Lori Unrau
June 19, 2024
It was such a blessing to know you even though it was for just a short time. My life was made richer.
Margaret Donnelly Davis
June 17, 2024
Dennis, this was not to happen this way, you first & me to follow! I asked you to do my Eulogy as I loved your eulogy given for your sister, Colleen at our church St Simon a few yrs ago! You made me laugh, cry & be proud to be a Donnelly! I will miss your loving wit & smile! Say hello to my brothers & sister!
Jim & Lynn Smith
June 13, 2024
A great human being with wisdom and compassion for every human being.
Ryan Donnelly not sure if really realated
June 13, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ellen and Bruce Sabin
June 12, 2024
Denny was a very devoted family man, true friend, and brilliant attorney. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the local, regional, national, and world stage, and wise counsel to all who were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with him. In addition, he was a devout religious man, with exemplary values, and had an extraordinary interest, in helping to make the world a better place. His keen, wit and sense of humor, made visits a real treat. Denny will be greatly missed, as one of the truly good, honorable people in this world.
May his memory be a blessing.
Buddy Luepke
June 10, 2024
I remember Dennis as a kind and friendly family and lawyer who provided excellent service and advice to his clients in and out of the courtroom. He was an example to try to live up to.
Jack Lane
June 10, 2024
Friends since meeting as freshmen at SLUH in September of 1955 to present as members of SLU Pilgrims! Great friend and always wanted to know how I was doing! In these later years we both got serious about our gardens and loved to discuss weather and impact on our flower beds
Lola Culter Finn
June 9, 2024
Mr. Donnelly was my first lawyer friend at Bryan, Cave, McPheeters & McRoberts in 1972. His office was right across from me. When I retired in 2022, after 50 year at the Firm, his office was right across from me. He was a treasured friend, excellent lawyer and just most excellent human being.
Todd Binenstock
June 9, 2024
As a friend of John, when i''d visilt the house as a young adult, Mr. Donnelly always took an interest in what I had going on in my life. I always enjoyed our little chats. Godspeed Mr. D.
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