Michael attended Sacred Heart and Danbury High School. He joined the U.S. Marines at age 17 and was wounded in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
He worked for Sperry Rail of Danbury for several years before a 26 year career at Metro North railroad. He retired in 2009 and received a gold watch for his service.
Michael leaves his wife of 41 years, Mary (Lyons) Donnelly; two children, Michael R. (Katherine) of GA and Luann Donnelly of NYC; two stepchildren, Marceline E. Straiton Oldham (F.J.) and Alan E. (Stacey) Straiton, both of Danbury.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed sharing his talents with his grandchildren, Robert (Felicia) Lemke, Jr., Christopher A. (Camille) Lemke, Colin P. Oldham, Joshua A. Straiton, Morgan T. Straiton, Michael A. Donnelly and Haley M. Donnelly; two great grandsons, Caden M. Lemke and Bryce R. Lemke.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 5pm - 7pm at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT. Burial is private at the family's request.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Michael.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org