Rev. Robert J. Donnelly

1929 - 2021

Donnelly, Rev. Robert J. ALBANY Reverend Robert J. Donnelly, 92, entered into eternal life on Sunday, October 24, 2021. Born on January 7, 1929, in Binghamton, N.Y., he was the son of the late Robert Joseph Donnelly and Grace Angela Clapper Donnelly. Bob graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1946 and received a B.A. from New York State College for Teachers in Albany in 1952. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he honorably served his country during the Korean War, attaining the rank of lieutenant. Following his military service, Bob received a Master of Arts degree in theatre from the Yale Drama School in 1962. He worked summers in professional theatre and opera from 1959 - 1968 while teaching college theatre at Idaho State (1961), Dartmouth College (1962 - 1965), and the University at Albany from 1965 until his retirement in 1987. It was at that time that Father Donnelly answered his call to ministry and entered St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md., studying the priesthood from 1987 - 1991. He was ordained in June 1991 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. During his ministry, Father Donnelly served the parishes of St. Joseph's in Schenectady; Holy Infancy in Lake Luzerne; St. Pius X in Loudonville; and St. Ann's in Fort Ann; and served as chaplain of the Convent of Mercy and Villa Mary Immaculate in Albany. He retired from active priestly ministry in June 2001. Father Donnelly is survived by nephews, retired Rear Adm. Archer Martin Macy Jr. U.S.N. of Arlington, Va., Dr. Robert Donnelly Macy of Beverly Farms, Mass., William Murray Macy of Capitola, Calif. and Eugene Everit Macy of Avon, Conn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Cathrine Donnelly Macy, Dolores Ann Donnelly and retired Lt. Col. Grace Elizabeth Donnelly U.S.A.F.; and nephew, John Noel Macy. Father Donnelly's request was for a simple funeral Mass. Family members, close friends and priests are invited to attend his Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 29, in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required at the Mass. Burial will follow in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. applebeefuneralhome.com