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Joseph Donnelly Obituary
Joe was a lifelong resident of Boylston and the second of three children. A 2006 graduate of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Joe played lacrosse for four years and was a member of the cross-country team. Joe had just completed his junior year at Bridgewater State College where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a Francis Ouimet Scholar. He was eagerly looking forward to spending the fall semester abroad in Ireland. Joe was a member of Saint Mary of the Hills parish in Boylston where he served as an altar boy. He worked for a number of seasons at Mount Pleasant Country Club in Boylston and as a snowboard instructor at Wachusett Mountain.
Joe was a family oriented, fun-loving person who enjoyed his home, his books, his music and movie collection, the outdoors, exercising, sports, as well as exploring his Irish heritage. Joe will be remembered for his warm smile, keen wit and loyalty to family and friends.
Besides his parents, Joseph leaves behind his brother, Neil, a 2007 graduate of Assumption College, and his sister Megan, a freshman at Assumption College, his grandparents, Joseph and Patricia Hine of Worcester, Kevin and Katherine Donnelly of West Barnstable and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Joe's funeral will be held on Saturday May 16th from Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street in Worcester with a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St Mary of the Hills Church in Boylston. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Boylston. Calling hours at the funeral home will be on Friday May 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Joe's memory to: Saint John's High School, 378 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or the Bridgewater State College Foundation, P.O. Box 42, Bridgewater, MA 02325
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Donnelly
Mark Kemper
May 8, 2023
I still think of Joe and wonder what great things he would have accomplished by 2023 if he had not been taken from us much too soon.
Eileen Fahy (Donnelly)
May 30, 2009
Dear Gerard, Nancy, Neil and Megan,
We just heard the sad news from our brother Desmond Donnelly in Galway, Ireland. We remember Joe when you visited Ireland a few years ago. He was such a fine young man. No doubt we are all keeping you in our prayers and hearts. We pray that God will give you comfort and peace in this most difficult time.
Malix and Arnaud Sourisseau
May 28, 2009
Dear Gerard, Nancy, Neil and Megan,
Im am so sad to here this terrible news, I have so many wonderful souvenirs with Joe and all of you in Boylston.
You can count on our prayers for Joe and all of you in this very difficult moment.
I am sure Joe is seeing you and looking after you from where he is now.
With all our love,
Malix and Arnaud
Alain and Anne Cecile Sourisseau
May 28, 2009
Dear Gerard and Nancy,
How sad it is to hear these news. All our heart and our prayers are for both of you, Neill and Megan.
We remember Joe very well. His cute charming little face always gently smiling.
His place is in the arms of God now who takes care of his beloved children.
We send you all our love and will keep in touch.
Anne Cecile et Alain
Owen Ahearn
May 21, 2009
Dear Gerry and Family-
It was very sad to learn of the passing of your son Joseph today. Although I did not know him, I read all of the fine postings from many family members and friends. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Respectfully,
Pattie Jacobson
May 20, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neill & Megan,
Our hearts are broken. It has taken so long to write this because there are no words to express how we feel about the loss of such a wonderful person. That amazing head of hair, those beautiful eyes and a smile that lit up the room - these are but a few of the many impressions that will forever be in our memories, and in our hearts. It seems like yesterday that life revolved around Saint John’s – lacrosse, Mr. Vigeant, classes, homework, ski trips, intramurals, skating, driver’s licenses, and first cars. Those years were so special, made even more so for us because we got to know Joe and your wonderful family. We loved Joe’s wit, his intellect, his integrity and his kindness. Our love for Joe and your family will endure. We will always carry him in our hearts.
Love,
Pattie, Eric, Chris, Tricia and Laura Jacobson
Denise Foley
May 18, 2009
Dear Gerry,
I know that mere words cannot express the pain that is in your heart right now. I pray that your sadness will someday ease and that you will take comfort in knowing that he is only but a whisper away from you at all times. He is watching over all of you. Your own personal gurardian angel. I know....I have one too. He inspires, protects, enlightens, guides and helps us through the seemingly impossible times.
Tim Ray
May 18, 2009
Dear Gerry:
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 18, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neil, Megan, and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joe was a great friend to many at Bridgewater State College. You could really tell he had a great upbringing. He always talked about his family and you could really tell he was proud of you guys. After seeing you guys this weekend, I can see why he was so proud of your strong family. Joe will always be a part of my college memory, and I am grateful for that. His great character defiantly reflects his great family and upbringing. If you guys need anything, his Bridgewater family will always be here for you.
With love,
A friend/student of Bridgewater State
May 17, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neil, Megan & Family,
Please know that your family are in our thoughts and prayers at such a very difficult time. This is something no parent, brother, sister or grandparent should have to face but you have God and all your familly by your side to help support you in your time of need. If there is anything we can do please know that we are here for you.
All our love,
George & Jo-Ann (Theodoss) Wytzka & Family
Chris McCartney
May 17, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neil, Megan, We are all heartbroken by Joe's death. He was such a wonderful young man and we know how much he cherished his family. You have always made us feel a part of the Donnelly clan and Joe was always leading the "cousin pack" and taking care of the youngest ones. We have so many fond memories of Joe and he will always be in our prayers and thoughts. You can take pride in the man he became and know that as his family you surrounded him with the support and love you all share. We pray your faith and love sustain you through this difficult time.
Love,
John, Chris, and Johno McCartney
Karen Temple
May 17, 2009
Dear Gerard, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your entire family, during this extremely difficult time in your lives. Cherish the memories, and your son will always be with you all. Love, Karen Temple(Worcester Ma)
Allen Bercume
May 17, 2009
Dear Gerard and Nancy,
Our family the Bercumes', Albert, Allen,
and my Mom, Anne Bercume are very sorry
for the loss of your wonderful son, Joe.
God, needed Joe for a project that God
could'nt do but Joe could, God takes the
best first, Joe had to be one of the best. Our family are saying prayers for
your family Gerard and Nancy and Neil and
Megan. Your family will always have the love from our family and our prayers.
Our family are deeply sorry for your loss.
May God comfort you with Angel Wings and
give you strength through this difficult
time. Love from the Bercumes'
May 17, 2009
Dear Gerry, Nancy, Neil and Megan,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
God needed Joe for something we may never know or understand but he is now your personal Guardian Angel, always watching over you and in your hearts. May your memories and the thoughts and prayers of others sustain you during this difficult time.
God bless you and keep you now and always,
Pauline Conley
May 17, 2009
Nancy,
I am so sorry for the loss of Joseph. May your memories and deep faith provide you with some comfort during this extremely difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alana Cyr
Albert Bercume
May 16, 2009
Gerad and Nancy:
Shawn and I are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your son and all your family in our prayers.
Kathleen Cashin
May 16, 2009
Dear Donnelly Family,
Although we never knew your son, Joseph, or your family; we do send our deepest sympathies. We have seen you in church and always admired your family for looking like such a caring and loving one. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child is. May the love and support of family and friends help you through your grief. May God Bless you all, Michael, Kathy, Meghan and Mollie Cashin
Larry Burke
May 16, 2009
Now I can see how a large and loving family holds together during such times as these. My prayers and thoughts are with are with each one of you and know that God's love will heal those open wounds.
Larry Burke, Marstons Mills, MA ; a close friend of Katherine & Kevin Donnelly
Sharon Brackett
May 15, 2009
Gerry, Nancy, Neil, and Megan, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Joe's sudden passing. I am so sorry that I can not be there in person but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have many memories of Joe around the neighborhood, he was always quick to stop and say hello. And I will always remember his smile. Bill and I will miss him, and we are here to support you in anyway we can at this difficult time.
Chris Deedy
May 15, 2009
Dear Donnelly Family,
I am keeping Joe and the entire family in my prayers. God bless you.
Francis Duggan
May 15, 2009
I will definately miss Joe. He always had a line from the famous movie Caddyshack to share with me and put a smile on my face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. He will be deeply missed as a good friend.
Corey Lee
May 15, 2009
Dearest Gerry and Nancy,
Words are simply inadequate. I am deeply sorrowed by your loss. A vibrant, handsome, youthful boy - the world shall miss. Wishing you comfort in the warmth of your friends and family. xoxo
Bob Bowen
May 15, 2009
Unfortunately I never knew your son, but we share a common bond in our Fraternity. I am the Sigma Chi Grand Praetor for South Carolina. My thoughts and prayers are with you as a family and with his friends.
May 15, 2009
All Honor to His Name! The thoughts and prayers of Sigma Chi are with his family, brothers, and friends.
Bob Jones
Sigma Chi Grand Consul
Aileen Keigwin
May 15, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neil and Megan,
It is with a heavy heart that I try to write anything that will be of comfort to you during this incomprehensible time in your lives. I realize words will not take away the deep sadness you all feel, but may you find some solace in knowing that your friends and family will stand by your side for as long as you may need us.
May 15, 2009
I am a student at BSC and one memory I have of joe was helping him in Math freshman year. He was a very bright and funny individual. I will miss seeing his face around campus and I am so sorry for you lost.
Amanda Mueller
May 15, 2009
Gerard and Nancy,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy in the loss of your son Joseph. May God give you strength in this most difficult time of sorrow.
Patti Creen
BSC Student
May 15, 2009
I did not know Joe personally but as a student at BSC I saw him almost every day going to classes. I will miss seeing him around campus because every time I saw him he had a huge smile on his face. My deepest condolences go out to the Donnelly family and brothers of Sigma Chi.
David Williams
May 15, 2009
Dear Gerry and Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on your immeasurable loss. May God watch over you and help you through this extremely difficult time. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Sue Stanton
May 15, 2009
My son Michael graduated with Joe from St Johns. My heart and prayers are with you-
Each day is a precious gift...may your memories, your faith and Gods love keep you all strong
Ajay and Judy LaRochelle
May 15, 2009
Dear Gerry, Nancy and Family
We were deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
gary singh
May 15, 2009
i am so very sorry for your LOSS. may god bless you and your family..may JOE stay REST IN PEACE.
dean
May 15, 2009
Though I never knew Joe personally, I send my deepest sympathy. I merely crossed paths with him playing pool several times throughout the past couple semesters at BSC. May his warm legacy move on... RIP
Nick Mandella
May 15, 2009
I cannot believe that another family from our small town has to suffer the loss of a child.
I am truly sorry for your loss, and hope the memories of Joe can help you support each other through this dark and awful time.
Joe, his family, and friends are in my thoughts.
Laura Catinella
May 15, 2009
Donelly family,
My heart goes out to you all. I was so saddened to hear about Joe's passing. I am a friend of his at BSC and I enjoyed eating with him in the caf. and seeing him outside of class. What a great guy he was and a wonderful friend to everyone. I will truly miss seeing Joe around campus next semester.
my condolences,
Laura Catinella
Jaime Mariani
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy,
It has been so long since I've visited Sawyer and miss talking with you. I am so sorry to hear about your son. You are such a wonderful person and a terrific mom and I feel terrible that you have to go through this. May you treasure all the memories you have of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
God Bless,
The Mariani Family
May 14, 2009
May God bless you and your family with strength during this time. May Joseph now rest in God's loving arms.
Terry May Koulisis
May 14, 2009
Dear Gerard and Nancy, I was so sorry to hear about your loss.Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Terry May Koulisis
Lindsay Furbish
May 14, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly, Neil and Meg,
I was shocked to hear of Joe's passing. I am speechless. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a warm and wonderful family and I hope the support you give each other helps you through this time of sorrow. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." RIP Joe
Debbie Sjogren
May 14, 2009
Gerry, Nancy, Neil and Meghan,
Our sons played lacrosse with Joe and Neil at St Johns. It seems like just yesterday.. Please know that you are all in our prayers.
Alan and Debbie Sjogren
May 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you in this time of sorrow
Bonnie Morin
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Megan and Neil
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy,
Bonnie, John, Danielle and Nicole Morin
Megan Wiggin
May 14, 2009
I will never forget the humor you brought to 4 Durgin our freshman year at Bridgewater State. I loved talking screen legends with you and arguing about politics. Beneath a tough exterior you were a truly kind and gentle soul. My deepest condolences to your family.
My Angels Guide You In. RIP.
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerry, Neil and Megan,
We are so very saddened for your loss and all our loss. Joe was a wonderful kid and became a young man to be proud of. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. With love, Anne & Jim Ancona
BSC student
May 14, 2009
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. I never got to know Joe personally, but I witnessed the sorrow in the eyes of his friends and brothers this past week and I can tell he will be missed dearly.
Rest in peace Joe, you were loved by so many.
Kevin Ouellet
May 14, 2009
Donnelly Family, I'm so sorry for your great loss. Joe was a fine young man, A great Brother, and a true friend. He will be missed greatly by those that knew him and by the members of the Theta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Chi. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tough time, In Hoc Signo Winces Joe, I love you Bro. Kevin Ouellet
Brian Szymanski
May 14, 2009
Joe, Ive known you pretty much since you were born, and though you are the brother of one of my closet friends, I always considered you my friend as well. Whether I was tutoring you in math, or you were tutoring me in books, movies, politics, humor, and how to live a joyful life, you were always a pleasure to be with. You will always be in my heart and memories.
My deepest condolences to you Neil, Meghan, Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly, and your family. I hope to see you soon.
Brian McNamara
May 14, 2009
Gerry, Nancy and family,
I was stunned to learn of Joe's passing. It sounds like he was a great kid. I remember seeing him and the rest of your family having a great time at Stiles back in the 90's. I hope happy memories of Joe will stay with you always. God Bless.
Brian McNamara, BSC Class of '76
Joanne Yaylaian
May 14, 2009
Dear Nance, Gerry, Neil and Megan,
Words can not begin to express how deeply my heart aches for all of you. Nance and Gerry a parent should never have to go through what you both are enduring and Neil and Megan you as siblings are in my thoughts and prayers. If words could erase your pain and suffering I would fill a book as every other person who has signed Joe's guest book would do. I never had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful, charming, beautiful son Joe but I know he must have been quite a special young man because he had you for a mom Nance and Gerry for a dad. May his love and memory live through all four of you and please know you have my love, thoughts and prayers always.
With deepest sympathy,
Joanne & Tom Yaylaian
Linnea Carlson
May 14, 2009
Dear Donnelly Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to have Joe as a student in my indigenous cultures class this semester. Joe was such a wonderful student -- hardworking, genuine, and bright. Words can't properly express my shock and sorrow at his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kathryn Marous
May 14, 2009
Gerry, Nancy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Joe. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends, Kathryn and Dan Marous
May 14, 2009
Mrs. Donnelly & Family,
I was totally shocked by the email sent from Mrs. Iannacci about your terrible loss. As a parent, I can not imagine what you are going through now. Our sincere thoughts are with you and your family.
With our deepest sympathy,
Yan Rong (Ashley's mom) and Family
Beth Reid
May 14, 2009
To Gerry, Nancy, and Family,
My constant prayers are with you night and day. Although I didn't know Joe personally, Bob has spoken soo very highly of him. No parent should have to experience what you are going through right now. We are all asking "Why?" We all want the answer to this question. May the angels wrap their arms around Joe and all of you.
Beth Reid
Diane Barletta
May 14, 2009
On behalf of the Bridgewater State College Parent Association, we offer our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved son Joseph. May your faith give you courage to endure this great sorrow.
Ashley
May 14, 2009
I had only met you a few times, but you were a great kid and a friend to many. It was a pleasure knowing you. RIP Joe. Sending my prayers to his family and friends.
Kathy Jankowski
May 14, 2009
Gerry & family:
I was so saddened to hear about your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Edward & Joyce Doherty III
May 14, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joshua Gravel
May 14, 2009
To the family of Joe Donnelly,
As an alumnus of Bridgewater State College and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, I have known Joe for the past two years and am proud and truly honored to call him a friend and brother. Joe will be missed by all who knew him but the impressions he left on us will last forever.
Your family is in our prayers,
Joshua Gravel
Theta Zeta ‘04
Barbara Dennis
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy and Gerard,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. As a Mom my heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most trying of times. May Joe's memory be a blessing for you.
My love to you all,
Sean Larson
May 14, 2009
I will never forget all the great times that Joe and I had together at Saint John's. The classes we had together seemed so much easier to get through because he was there. He made everybody laugh and always lightened up a room when he walked in. My prayers are with you.
Greg & Julie Dieringer
May 14, 2009
Gerry & Nancy
Reading through this guest book filled in the blanks where we left off. I'm delighted in knowing that the fruits of your labor yielded such an incredible harvest. It's only most parents dream to have had a child that could touch so many lives on so many levels. I know God's plan doesn't make any sense right now, but let my own tears be a testament of his love to your whole family.
Karen Coteleso
May 14, 2009
Dearest Nancy, Gerry, Meg and Neil:
I am so stunned by Joe's death! I can still picture Mary Kate and Joe playing in the sand at Sewall Beach and Joe running the trails at Tahanto.
Please know we are thinking of you all at this this difficult time.
Love Karen Coteleso, Randy Abby and MK Long.
Jodie Drapal Kluver
May 14, 2009
To the family of Joe Donnelly,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I had the great pleasure of having your son in my political science classroom at Bridgewater State College. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts.
Lisa Paciello
May 14, 2009
Dear Donnelly Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you and saying prayers for your family during this very difficult time.
May 14, 2009
I had a class with Joe this past semester. He always had a smile on his face. So sorry for your loss.
Sonya Striggles
May 14, 2009
The BSC greek community just lost a fantastic member. We will all miss you, Joe. <3
Ahmed & Patricia Abdelal
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy and Gerard:
We were shocked and shaken to learn of Joe's death. As parents, we can only imagine the depth of your sorrow and loss. We fondly remember your family's visit to our home on the Cape many years ago. May God sustain you during the coming days.
Ahmed & Patricia Abdelal
Bridgewater State College
Brendan Kelliher
May 14, 2009
Brother Donnelly, "may you rest in peace" and your family find solace during this unexpected loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
In Hoc
Theta Zeta and BSC Alum-class of 90'
Brendan C. Kelliher
Matthew Dovell
May 14, 2009
To the Donnelly Family:
I was in several classes with Joe. He will be missed. I am deeply saddended by your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Hines
May 14, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly & Family,
I am the secretary in the Political Science Department at Bridgewater State College. I didn't know Joseph personally, but I remember him coming by the office looking for professors or dropping off forms. May God's love help you through your painful sorrow.
Jon Greenawalt, Sr
May 14, 2009
To the family of Joe Donnelly
As a brother in Sigm Chi, it is especially saddening to have one our own die so young. My condolences to each of you as you go through this difficult time.
Jon L. Greenawalt, Sr. Phi Phi '61
Grand Praetor, East Michigan
Margarida Vieira
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. No mom should have to bury her children, especially someone this young. Having experienced this in our family, I truly sympathize with you and what you are going through. May God bless you and help you heal from this tragedy.
Margarida Vieira (BSC Parent Ambassador)
Rachel Emde, Bridgewater State College
May 14, 2009
To the Entire Donnelly Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melanie Nadeau
May 14, 2009
A true tragedy. May God's presence be among your family during this difficult time. May your spirit live on.
Karen Bode
May 14, 2009
Gerry, Nancy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
Karen
Langille
Stephanie McCaffrey
May 14, 2009
As a campus minister at Assumption College, I want to express my sincere condolences to Neil, Meg, and the entire Donnelly family as you mourn Joe's untimely death. May God comfort you in some way as you absorb and mourn your unimaginable loss.
May 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jamie and Susan Masters
Debbie Fedele
May 14, 2009
Seeing all of you last evening hit home. Being the mother of two boys my heart aches for all of you. I can't begin to feel what you are feeling. Remember, Joe will always be with you in your hearts. He is never far away. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for days to come.
Sandra Melanson
May 14, 2009
Nancy, Gerry and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your son Joseph. Our hearts go out to you at this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you and your family.
A Mom
May 14, 2009
Such a handsome man...I am so sorry for your loss.
Maurice Bessette
May 14, 2009
Dear Gerard, Nancy, Neil & Megan:
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we were to learn of Joe's passing. May the love and laughter he brought to this world bring you solace at this dark time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. All our love, Moe, Harriet & Brianna Bessette
Kerri Mello
May 14, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Donnelly and family of Joe,
Joe had the amazing ability to light up a room with a witty comment, but at the same time, boasted with loyalty and class that is rare to find these days. He was truly one of the most amazing young men I have ever met. My time at BSC and being Sweetheart of Sigma Chi is filled with fun memories of Joe and those amazing young men. He was a great person and will truly be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers through this hard time.
Charles LeBlanc
May 14, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerry & Family,
Annalisa and I were deeply saddened by the loss of your son Joseph. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I had just spent a great evening with Joe watching the Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox at Finders last week. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Charles & Annalisa LeBlanc
Kevin Magill
May 14, 2009
To the Donnelly Family, I knew Joe through his summer job at Mt Pleasant. He was bright, enthusiastic, and just an all around great kid. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Francis J. Trapasso & Assoc.
May 14, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kevin & Janice Lundy
May 14, 2009
To the Donnelly & Hine Families,
Please accept our sympathy for your tremendous loss. (Uncle) Walter told me all about what a wonderful nephew he was and how excited he was to further his education abroad, both academically and ethnically. It sounds like he inherited the wit & humor of his Father, while at the same time remained grounded, enjoying being at home with his closest ones. Our sincere thoughts are with you. Sincerely, The Lundy Family.
Linda Corey
May 14, 2009
Gerry, Nancy and Family
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your son, Joe. Nothing hurts as much as the loss of a child. Please know that you are in my prayers and that my thoughts are with you.
Michael Cox
May 14, 2009
To the Donnelly Family,
As an alumni advisor for the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Bridgewater State College, I had the privilege of knowing Joe over the past two years. I always found Joe to be kind and spirited. When he spoke of his childhood upbringing and family, he always spoke with a great deal of pride.
Your family is in our prayers.
Michael Cox
Sigma Chi Fraternity
BSC Alumni
Erin Elkins
May 14, 2009
Nancy and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Erin Elkins
MRE
Edward Valla
May 14, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly, family and friends:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I was your son's political science professor for a course on the topic of terrorism and national security. He had just completed the final for my course on Monday and left the class with a smile on his face and jaunt in his step. We shook hands and wished each other a pleasant summer. Throughout the course, Joe was an engaged student who would make me laugh from time-to-time with a colorful remark about what we were discussing that day. My impression was that he enjoyed the course (and political science generally). I know he was serious about his coursework, as I often observed him studying--especially for reading quizzes for my course. Please know that I shall keep Joe and your family in my thoughts and prayers. With my deepest sympathy,
Edward J. Valla
Tracy Conte
May 14, 2009
Nancy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
deb tibbetts
May 14, 2009
We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Joe's passing. Kyle was his classmate at Saint John's. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that you are in. All of you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Deb, Ryan and Kyle Tibbetts
May 14, 2009
Dear Mr & Mrs Donnelly, Neil, Megan and your entire family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. These days will live on in your memory for ever.
Words alone cannot comfort your family in this time of loss but I pray that these thoughts from your sons numerous friends will comfort you that he has touched so many people in such a positive way in his all too brief time with you and them.
Eric Thomson
Dalhousie University
Halifax Nova Scotia
garnett haubelt
May 14, 2009
It is times like these when the Strong Arms of Sigma Chi reach out and surround those most effected. Such a tragic loss of such a fine young man in the prime of his manhood with so much to look forward. Our hearts and sympathys pour out to the brothers, friends and especially family of Brother Donnelly!
IHSV
garnett w. haubelt
Grand Praetor
Oklahoma/Arkansas Province
member executive committee
Casey Lowham
May 14, 2009
Joseph Gerard Donnelly: All Honor to his name. My prayers for the family, friends and brothers who were blessed to have spent time with him. Casey M. Lowham, Grand Praetor, Rocky Mountain Province of Sigma Chi.
Joshua Dolan
May 13, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. While I only knew Joe for the last couple of years, as an alumni of BSC and Sigma Chi, I grew to greatly enjoy his humor and genuine personality. His positive attitude and passion inspired and motivated everyone around him. He will be sorely missed. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Bobby Goldsmith
May 13, 2009
To the Donnelly Family: On behalf of the Iota Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi at Boston University, our prayers are with you. Joseph will be missed by his brothers everywhere.
Francene Gleason
May 13, 2009
Dear Nancy, Gerard, Neil and Megan,
My hearfelt condolences go out to you at this difficult time. I was devastated to hear of your loss of Joe. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you someday find comfort in the beautiful memories you have of Joe. He was a wonderful young man.
Lizzie Flanagan
May 13, 2009
Dear Mr and Mrs Donnelly, Neil, and Megan-
I can remember hanging out with Joe throughout most of our elementary school days and I will never forget how he had the ability to always make me laugh. I hope that the memories of what a great person he was can give you some comfort in this difficult time, and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Erik Gray
May 13, 2009
Joseph Gerard Donnelly: All Honor to His Name. With sympathies and prayers. Erik Gray, Grand Praetor, East Tennessee Province of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
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How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Donnelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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