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John Donelson Obituary
Born in Portsmouth, N.H., on Oct. 29, 1935, he was the son of Harry Donelson and Evelyn (Holmes) (Donelson) Williams. He was raised in Portsmouth and resided in Auburn most of his life.
John attended Portsmouth schools and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire.
During the Korean War, he served with the United States Army.
Until his retirement, he was employed with the Social Security Administration for many years.
A renaissance man, John enjoyed painting, music, and playing guitar. His family and friends will remember him for his humor and wit. He was a loving father, wonderful husband, and an extraordinary one-of-a-kind friend. John will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing this remarkable man. He was fond of animals, especially his cat.
Family members include his beloved wife of 50 years, Bernardine "Bunny" (Burke) Donelson; and a daughter, Maria Tetley of Columbus, N.C.
SERVICES: Following cremation, calling hours are Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/john-donelson/ or https://www.facebook.com/1233861690/posts/10216734148246102/.
For more information visit www.connorhealy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Donelson
March 1, 2020
John was so very thoughtful he always asked for for others that he knew were in pain even though he too was in a lot of pain Sandy Poirier
February 21, 2020
Dear Bunny and Maria, I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a very kind and intelligent man who loved his family immensely.He will be missed. Lynn Ronalter and family
Tammy and Marc H
February 19, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always.
We give our condolences to Bunny , Maria and all of your family.
John was a wonderful husband,father,and friend.
John will be missed.
Remember all the good times you had together.
John loved to laugh and tell jokes.
Those closest to John understood how he shared his wisdom and love in his own unique way.
Norma (Syphers) Alexander
February 18, 2020
I was a classmate of John from Whipple School through Portsmouth High School. I remember his great sense of humor and kindness to others. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Gregory Barrett
February 18, 2020
Bunny the last time I saw you was at my moms wake.
Time marches pretty fast these days.
May the road rise to meet him and until you meet again God hold him in the palm of his hand. RIP
Linda Bleau
February 18, 2020
Bunny, John was such a great friend and Normand and I, will always cherish those great memories of our camping trips, visits here in Pensacola and the White Mountains. You and Maria will be in my prayers.
February 18, 2020
To the Donelson Family:
On behalf of a grateful nation, and the State of New Hampshire VFW Auxiliary, District #7, we wish to express sincere appreciation for the honorable service given by your loved one, and send our deepest condolences on your loss.
Cathy Burns
Chaplain, District #7
Joan Banks
February 18, 2020
Bunny... so sorry for the loss of your husband. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Mary Mulholland
February 17, 2020
Dear Bunny, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. With Love...Mary
Jan Amaral
February 16, 2020
I will miss John and his emails. His smile and kindness will be missed by all. He was so proud of his daughter, Maria, and his devoted wife, Bunny. RIP
sally balukas
February 16, 2020
Bunny and Maria, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you
Sally Frobisher Balukas, PHS 1953
Eileen Brady
February 15, 2020
Bunny - thinking of you and your family at this hard time. Please take care.
Lisa Brent
February 15, 2020
Sorry for your loss, it was my pleasure to get to know John. LIsa Brent
Anne Nichols
February 14, 2020
Bunny, I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and your family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Memorial Events
for John Donelson
Feb
19
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Connor-Healy Funeral Home - Manchester537 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
Feb
19
Memorial service
6:00 p.m.
Connor-Healy Funeral Home - Manchester537 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
Funeral services provided by:
Connor-Healy Funeral Home - Manchester537 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
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