Frank J. Donnelly, 87, passed away peacefully at home. Born in Little Falls, he was the son of Irish emigrants, Francis and Margaret Stack Donnelly. He graduated from Little Falls High School where he excelled in football and baseball. He served in the Navy aboard the HSS Halfbeak 352. In his early career, Frank served as a Troop D NYS Trooper. Frank retired as an operations manager from Carrier Corporation in 1991.
Frank enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, boating and poetry. He was an ardent member of Section 312 SU Basketball. Helping build the Fremont Little League fields and coaching for many years are examples of his community service and devotion to his children. He loved spending time and teaching his grandchildren. He was devoted to the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Josephine, who died November 1, 2016.
In addition to his wife, he is predeceased his daughter-in-law, Deborah J. Donnelly; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie (John) Pellerito, Helen Donnelly and Irene (Leo) Murphy; brother, Peter; brothers-in-law, Richard Kuehnle and George Taylor; and sister-in-law, Sandra Viscome.
Surviving are his daughter, Cynthia (John) Needle; sons, Frank (Nan), Mark (Michele), Matthew (Lisa), Kevin, Kenneth (Lisa), and Timothy J. Donnelly; sisters-in-law, Patsy (Marty) Ralbovsky, Marlene Taylor and Sandra Kuehnle; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call Saturday, January 14th from 1-4 p.m. at the R.H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepp’s Corners Rd. Minoa. A memorial service will follow the calling hours.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
To view or leave a condolence. Please visit our Condolences Page.