Paul Joseph Donnelly

Paul was born in Fall River, Massachusetts to Hazel Mary (Conaty) Donnelly and James Edward Donnelly on July 25, 1967. He went to school at B.M.C. Durfee High School, Hobart College, and the University of Miami School of Law. He met his first spouse, Wendy L. (Williams) Donnelly, in 1989 with whom he had two children and more than two decades of marriage. He met his partner in life, Dana K. Cerullo, in 2019 with whom he enjoyed the years leading up to his passing. He worked as a criminal defense attorney for the Miami Public Defender’s Office for nearly a decade before working in private practice in Florida for over two decades.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, James E. Donnelly; mother, Hazel M. Donnelly; sister, Carol J. Donnelly; and sister, Eileen M. Donnelly.

Paul is survived by his partner, Dana K. Cerullo; son, Paul J. Donnelly, Jr.; daughter, Meghan L. Donnelly; brother, James E. Donnelly; brother, Brian J. Donnelly; ex-wife, Wendy L. Donnelly; and many more beloved family members and friends.

Paul’s celebration of life will be at 10 am, Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dignity Memorial’s Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2401 SW 64th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, followed by a reception for family and friends at 5120 N 37th St, Hollywood, FL 33021.

The family of Paul Joseph Donnelly wish to extend our sincere thanks to all the first responders at the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Miami Federal Courthouse, the Miami Department of Fire-Rescue, and Jackson Memorial Hospital. The family offer our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who continues to contribute loving support, thoughts, and prayers.

The preferred florist handling arrangements for Paul’s celebration of life is Hooray’s from Hollywood. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Fourth Dimensions Clubhouse, Inc.