Joseph Stephen Donnelly

August 12, 1923 – December 18, 2011

Joseph Donnelly was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the only son of Mary Hurley Donnelly and her husband, Joseph S. Donnelly, Sr. a graduate of Boston College High School, Class of 1941, the younger Joseph was a Roslindale resident who completed his undergraduate work after serving as a corporal in the Army Air Force Base Unit during World War II. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston the Boston College in 1947, going on to a career as a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bank Commissioner, a post which he held for thirty-eight years until retirement.

From 1943-1947, Mr. Donnelly worked as an engine mechanic, marksman, and instructor at the Army aircraft school in Dallas, Texas. For his service, he received an American Theater Campaign Ribbon as well as Victory and Good Conduct Medals. Joseph was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Donnelly continued to explore his interest in planes and in aviation throughout his life.

In 1996, Mr. Donnelly married former Boston area resident Martha Jane (Welch) Eastman and relocated to Atherton, California. On the Peninsula, he became involved in community volunteer work, assisting with the library of Trinity (Episcopal) School and Peninsula Volunteers.

Mr. Donnelly was preceded in death by his parents and spouse. He is survived by his two stepchildren, Francesca Eastman (Edward Goodstein) of Atherton, CA, and Therald Eastman (Katherine) of Sunnyvale, CA. He also leaves his cousins, Helen Hurley of Dedham, Janice Doherty of Dorchester, Margaret McDonald of Norton, and John Eugene Hurley of Montana. Joe’s dear friends, the Malone and MacDougall Families of Roslindale formed part of his extended family.

Calling hours for Mr. Donnelly will take place at the Deware Funeral Home, 576 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, (617) 472-1137, and a Mass of Christian Burial in his memory will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Parish Church, 22 Seton Way, Randolph, MA (781) 963-4141. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, contributions in Mr. Donnelly’s memory may be made to the Boston College High School Advancement Office, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, or to the Boston College Office of University Advancement, More Hall, #220, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.