Paul Edward Donnelly

Col. Ret. Paul E. Donnelly, US Army, passed away on September 2, 2008. He was born in Estling, Saskatchewan, Canada, on November 9, 1919. His family immigrated to the U.S. when he was a small child, settling in Olean, NY. He received his B.S. in chemistry from St. Bonaventure University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. Fifteen days later, he was called to active duty. After some routine assignments in Armored Artillery, he volunteered for Parachute school, and was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division for the duration of the war. Combat experience started with a jump into Sicily in 1943, followed by campaigns in the Italian mountains, Anzio, the liberation of Holland, and ended with the occupation of Berlin in 1945. Following the war, he served as a U.N. Truce Observer in Palestine in 1948. He began Artillery School at Ft. Sill, OK, as a student, but before course completion was selected to become a faculty member. A long career serving his country required leaving his growing family behind while he served a year in Thailand as an advisor to the Thai army. Later assignments included duty with the ROTC at St. Bonaventure University, Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Commander of a Corporal Missile Battalion in Germany, and NORAD in Colorado, specializing in Space Intelligence. Viet Nam pulled him away from his family again, followed by assignment to Ft. Monroe, VA, and a final assignment as Prof. of Military Science at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Col. Donnelly retired from his distinguished Army career in 1974 after 33 years of active service. He served in 10 major campaigns and received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit with Oakleaf Cluster. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betsy Jane Hilliard Donnelly, and four childrenMarian Shadrick Tom, Sheila Harrington Charles, dec., Patrick Donnelly Bethany, and Paula Dooley Stephen; five grandchildren, Ryan, Scott, Brian, Liam, and Clare; and three great-grandchildren, Mac, Brenden, and Ellis. He often claimed that finding the love of his life, Betsy, and raising their children were his greatest achievements. He leaves behind a family who will miss our husband and father, his honor and integrity, and his sense of humor forever.