Francis Brooks Donnelly

Francis Brooks Donnelly, age 86, of Norwood, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Joseph Donnelly and Helen (Kelly) Donnelly.

Francis graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Brookline and Boston College in 1962 where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. He was a member of the US Army Reserves until 1966. Beginning as a legislative page, he worked in the Sergeant-At-Arms’ Office in the Massachusetts State House for 46 years. He had a lifelong love of history and politics and enjoyed reading in his spare time. He was also a longtime, proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Francis was the beloved husband of Theresa A. (Pedersen) Donnelly of Norwood. He is also survived by his son Patrick J. Donnelly and his wife, Lynette, of East Walpole, granddaughter Meghan Donnelly of East Walpole, brother Kevin Donnelly and his wife, Ann, of Tewksbury, brother-in-law Francis J. Pedersen, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, of West Roxbury and his many cherished nieces and nephew. He was brother-in-law to the late Catherine M. (Pedersen) Walker of Boston.

Visiting Hours in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St, (Rt.1A) NORWOOD, on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 4PM – 8PM. Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 547 Washington St., Norwood, on Tuesday, April 1 at 11AM. Interment to follow at Mt. Benedict Cemetery in West Roxbury.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Francis’ memory to MSPCA Angell at mspca.org.