Joseph “Joe” T. Donnelly, Sr., 97, a lifelong resident of Fall River, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Friday, March 4, 2022 at his home comforted by his family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jane (Letendre) Donnelly for 73 years. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Susan (Lake) Donnelly.
Joseph was a proud Navy Veteran who served in WWII as an electrician and received the WWII Victory Medal. He worked alongside his brother, Ken, for over 40 years at Donnelly Painting and Decorating. Joe also had a career with the Fall River Police Department spanning over 30 years, retiring as sergeant.
Besides his wife, he leaves behind his four children, Joseph T. Donnelly, Jr. and his wife Maureen of Somerset, Cheryl A. Donnelly of Fall River, Stephen Donnelly of Assonet and Patrick Donnelly of Fall River. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Joseph was predeceased by seven siblings, Lawrence K. Donnelly, Stephen Donnelly, John Donnelly, Frank Donnelly, Mary T. Grady, Claire Tobia, Evelyn Gleason and one great grandchild. A special thank you to the staff of Hospice of Ascent Care, especially to Erin, Trina and Kyle for their compassion care of Joseph.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Spring St., Fall River with visitation prior from 8:00 – 9:30 AM in Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For online condolences, please visit www.waring-sullivan.com
