Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Kerry Donley Obituary
KERRY J. DONLEY
Kerry Joseph Donley, of Alexandria, Virginia, died suddenly on July 13, 2022 at his home. The former Mayor of Alexandria, Kerry was born in Elk Point, South Dakota on February 1, 1956 to the late Owen and Carole Donley. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Eva, five daughters: Kristin, Kaitlin (James Wilson), Colleen, Cara, and Kelsey, and five grandchildren (with one more on the way): Jackson, Mason, and Jillian Dundon, and Graham and Bennett Wilson. His siblings Patricia, twin sister Kelly (Phil French), Scott (Chris), and Shannon Reed (Peter) also survive, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Kerry graduated from Bishop Ireton High School and Marquette University, after which he began a lifelong career in banking, community service, and politics. His decades of service included being a member of City Council, Vice Mayor, Mayor of Alexandria, and Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Kerry's leadership, character, and commitment to service were widely recognized and respected throughout the community. He was inducted as a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2017 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 from Volunteer Alexandria and the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award from Metropolitan Washington Council of Government in 2002.
Above all, he always felt his greatest legacy was his family – his children and grandchildren and his partner for life, Eva. He was a loving husband, a proud dad, and an adoring grandpa.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA. The family will receive guests from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA. Private interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Kerry's name may be made to: Senior Services of Alexandria (https://seniorservicesalex.org); Center for Alexandria's Children (https://centerforalexandriaschildren.org); or Marquette University – Bridge to the Future Fund (https://timetorise.marquette.edu/give).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kerry Donley
4 Entries
Ignacio Pessoa
July 24, 2022
With fond memories of his leadership and our time together serving the people of Alexandria.
Larry & Mary Vicars
July 18, 2022
Our thoughts are with Kerry and the entire Donley family.
Kerry, what a wonderful person and from such a Special family.
Kerry´s Irish eyes will always be smiling on those who knew him and those he meet..
Mary Beth and Brendan Thompson
July 18, 2022
Fortunate to be neighbors with an outstanding family for 26 years and watching your children grow up into amazing people. Our condolences to Eva and the girls.
Maureen Finnerty Shuman
July 18, 2022
My sincere sympathy to Kerry´s family from a long ago high school friend. My prayers are with you.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Kerry Donley's name
Memorial Events
for Kerry Donley
Jul
24
Jul
24
Funeral services provided by:
Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home & Crematory1500 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302
How to support Kerry's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
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.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
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.
Read moreWays to honor Kerry Donley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored