Donnelly, Ronald Thomas, 81, of Seminole, passed away on April 15, 2019. He will be missed by his family and friends. Ronald was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Thomas and Johanna Donnelly in 1937. He was a graduate of Scotch Plains High School class of 1955. He served in the US Navy as Radioman 2nd class from 1955 -1959 on the USS Zellars DD777 Destroyer.
On July 1, 1961 he joined the Scotch Plains, NJ Police Department where he served as Patrolman until August of 1972 when promoted to Sergeant. In October of 1975 he was transferred to Detective Bureau as Assistant Commander. The following year he was named Policeman of the Year by the National Exchange Club.
He attended schools in Community Relations at John Jay College, Crime Prevention at Union College and schools with the FBI and NJ State Police for criminal, juvenile, and sex crimes. He devoted many hours of personal time and effort to help fight crime, to promote better community relations.
After serving 35 years he retired to Seminole, Florida where he continued to volunteer many hours helping those in need throughout Pinellas County, Florida. He was a proud member for life of the VFW Post 10122, NJ. Ronald’s other affiliations include: Masonic Star Lodge #78, Emerald Society of NJ Police and Fire, Union County, NJ #2, National Association of Tin Can Sailors, DD 777 Association, Royal Order of The Bluenoses, Scotch Plains PBA Local 87 where he served as Past President. Two of Ronald’s passions were his motorcycle and his country. Ronald was proud of his travels across North America. He traveled to 48 states in the US and 5 Canadian Providences on his motorcycle.
Ronald leaves behind his loving wife, Gerry. Four sons: Clark, Thomas, Sean, Brian. Nine grandchildren: Jack, Sarah, Emily, Ryan, Katie, Amanda, Nicholas, Paul, and Julia. As well as his sister, Gale Grossman.
Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, Largo, FL, on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 5-7pm, with a funeral service beginning at 7pm. Burial will take place privately at Sarasota National Cemetery.
