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Celebrating the life of
John Everett Donnelly
Passed away on May 28, 2019
Devoted Father & loving Husband
John Everett Donnelly, 78, of Savannah, GA and Hutchinson Island, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 28, 2019 surrounded by those who loved him most.
John is preceded in death by his parents Ann (Horan) and Everett Donnelly, he was their only child.
John leaves his loving wife of 53- years, Brenda, two daughters Kristin of Wheelersburg, OH and Nicole (Joe) Ryan of Columbus, OH. He loved his family endlessly and found unlimited joy in his grandkids, who affectionately called him PopPop, Bradley of Wheelersburg, OH along with Kenna, Jake and Quinn of Columbus, OH.
John graduated from Leominster High School in 1957, he received a Bachelor’s of Science Chemical Engineer degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received his Masters of Science degree from Union College in Schenectady NY.
John married the love of his life Brenda Higgins on May 14, 1966 in Glens Falls, NY.
John began his 35-year career with GE by attending their Management Development Institute in Crotonville NY and Executive Program at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. During his employment he worked in a multitude of positions and locations both domestic and international. Thankfully Brenda loved to travel as major locations were Schenectady & Hudson Falls, NY, Louisville KY, Hickory NC, Shreveport LA, Lynn, MA, Fairfield, CT and Worthington, OH. In addition, he spent 6 years in Dublin Ireland. John accomplished his career goals at the age of 55 and retired as the Managing Director of GE Superbrasives in Dublin, Ireland.
John & Brenda relocated, once again, to The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA, where he continued to enjoy traveling, playing golf, the men’s gourmet club, sports cars clubs, THE Ohio State Buckeyes and spending time with friends and family. Everything John enjoyed was always a little more fun with Brenda by his side.
If you were blessed to know him, you’ll remember a sweet, generous loving man who enjoyed life.
A private ceremony and burial will be held.
Brenda, We are so sorry to just learn, July 7, of John's death. John was a good neighbor and friend who seemed to love working in his well groomed yard. We would regularly see him in the yard when we were out on one of our walks. John was friendly and welcoming to us and always ready for a good chat. We will miss him.
- Charles & Ann Frankhauser, Savannah, GA
Brenda; We just heard today (6/21) of John's passing. We were so sorry to hear of that. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our very deepest sympathy, Rich and Jean Ogden and family
- Richard and Jean Ogden and family, QUEENSBURY, NY
Brenda, We were so sorry to learn of John’s death. We enjoyed being your neighbors on Shellwind Drive for so many years. Love keeping up with your family activities on Facebook. Let’s keep in touch. Our condolences to you and your family. Our wishes are that their love and concern will support you and guide you through this difficult time. Love and prayers to you and eternal peace to John. Sincerely, Donna and Dan
- Donna and Dan Hanlon, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. We remember him as a kind and caring person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Kevin and Carole
- Kevin and Carole Depin, East Dennis, MA
I just became aware of John's passing and am so sorry to hear it. John was my boss when we were both employed by GE in Dublin, Ireland. He was by far the best manager that I ever hade during my career. My thoughts and prayers are with Brenda, Nicole, Kristen and all his family.
- Steve Hayden, Myrtle Beach, SC
Dear Brenda, Nicole, Kristen and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I have many wonderful memories of family gatherings throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Love, Ginny Marie
- Virginia Radko (Murphy) , Mashpee, MA
Dear Brenda and Family, We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was always a kind, gentle man and a true gentleman . A true light is gone. May he Rest in Peace. Lives lost will always be remembered. God Bless you and your family. With love, Carol-lee and Ken McKenna
- Ken and Carol-lee McKenna, Savannah, GA
Dear Brenda We send you and your family our heartfelt sympathy. Your dear Husband and beloved Father is in our prayers. There is nothing we can say to ease your pain at this moment, but please know we are and will be there for you when you are ready. Love and Respect. Joan and Art Ruffing
- Joan & Art Ruffing, Savannah, GA
Mr. Donnelly was a patient of ours for 20 + years. He was always so kind and we will miss that sweet smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God bless.
- Tonya Murphy, Savannah , Ga
Brenda, We are so sorry to just learn, July 7, of John's death. John was a good neighbor and friend who seemed to love working in his well groomed yard. We would regularly see him in the yard when we were out on one of our walks. John was friendly and welcoming to us and always ready for a good chat. We will miss him.
- Charles & Ann Frankhauser, Savannah, GA
Brenda; We just heard today (6/21) of John's passing. We were so sorry to hear of that. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our very deepest sympathy, Rich and Jean Ogden and family
- Richard and Jean Ogden and family, QUEENSBURY, NY
Brenda, We were so sorry to learn of John’s death. We enjoyed being your neighbors on Shellwind Drive for so many years. Love keeping up with your family activities on Facebook. Let’s keep in touch. Our condolences to you and your family. Our wishes are that their love and concern will support you and guide you through this difficult time. Love and prayers to you and eternal peace to John. Sincerely, Donna and Dan
- Donna and Dan Hanlon, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. We remember him as a kind and caring person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Kevin and Carole
- Kevin and Carole Depin, East Dennis, MA
I just became aware of John's passing and am so sorry to hear it. John was my boss when we were both employed by GE in Dublin, Ireland. He was by far the best manager that I ever hade during my career. My thoughts and prayers are with Brenda, Nicole, Kristen and all his family.
- Steve Hayden, Myrtle Beach, SC
Dear Brenda, Nicole, Kristen and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I have many wonderful memories of family gatherings throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Love, Ginny Marie
- Virginia Radko (Murphy) , Mashpee, MA
Dear Brenda and Family, We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was always a kind, gentle man and a true gentleman . A true light is gone. May he Rest in Peace. Lives lost will always be remembered. God Bless you and your family. With love, Carol-lee and Ken McKenna
- Ken and Carol-lee McKenna, Savannah, GA
Dear Brenda We send you and your family our heartfelt sympathy. Your dear Husband and beloved Father is in our prayers. There is nothing we can say to ease your pain at this moment, but please know we are and will be there for you when you are ready. Love and Respect. Joan and Art Ruffing
- Joan & Art Ruffing, Savannah, GA
Mr. Donnelly was a patient of ours for 20 + years. He was always so kind and we will miss that sweet smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God bless.
- Tonya Murphy, Savannah , Ga
A really nice man and former MD of Ge Superabrasives here in Dublin , a man with a warm and friendly persona I always felt. Met him again in Dublin again at some event I think after he retired and he said he'd retired happily to Savannah - in Georgia I think ? I've just discovered this , so sorry to hear of his loss.
- Brian, Dublin, Ireland
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
