Richard A. Donnelly

Richard was born and raised in Lynn to the late William and Jane Flynn Donnelly. Richard attended Lynn English High School. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, honorably serving during the Korean War from 1953 to 1957. Upon his return home, Richard worked in the Woburn and Lynn Cemeteries prior to a thirty-year law enforcement career that began with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in 1968. Richard transferred from the MBTA to the City of Lynn Police Department in 1973. Richard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University and a Master’s Degree in criminal justice while working as a police officer. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in 1988 and retired in 1997.

Richard and Claudette raised five children together and their favorite pastime was bringing them camping. Richard started his camping adventure with his five children in 1970 at Breakheart Reservation. From there, they continued camping at Mi-Te-Jo, where the family enjoyed over a decade of fun. Richard’s favorite activities were any that included family and friends. Some of Richard’s favorites were spending time with the kids, playing cards, walking the beach, and watching sports and the news.

After his retirement, Richard and Claudette became snowbirds, living in Holiday, Florida, to escape the cold New England winters. Richard and Claudette continued making fond memories by camping and traveling throughout the United States. Richard and Claudette helped raise their grandchildren Tarek and Jacob Donnelly, whom they were very close with. They spent countless hours together accompanying them on many adventures and trips. Claudette and Richard could always be counted on to cheer for family members at sporting events. Richard loved watching all of the Boston sports teams, especially watching Patriots games with his family. He also loved to tear up the dance floor at weddings, always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. In general, Richard embodied kindness, humor, and love.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Claudette Donnelly, and his loving children: Mary Ann DeBay and her husband James; Richard Donnelly, Jr., and his wife Joanna; Michael Donnelly and his wife Cheryl; Kathleen Donnelly Marquis and her husband Raymond; and John Donnelly. Richard loved his children, as well as his many grandchildren; Tarek Donnelly and his wife Cindy; Jacob Donnelly and his wife Alexandra; Fred Bleiler and his wife Kim; Kristen Griffin (Bleiler) and her husband Justin; Rebecca Donnelly, Ryan Donnelly, Amanda Donnelly; and Abigail, James and William Debay. Richard was also the proud great grandfather of seven great grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to attend Richard’s visitation on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. His Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 PM at St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple Street, Lynn. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org.