William James Donnelly was born October 18, 1926 at home in East Carnegie Pennsylvania. He passed peacefully May 27th in Laguna Hills.He was known as Bill to his friends and family and "PapPap" to his grandchildren.His parents, James Donnelly and Lila Donnelly had 5 children.Bill was born after sisters Thelma and Laverne and followed by Edward and Edna.
He is survived by his son William James Donnelly Jr., Daughter in law Becky Donnelly, Granddaughters Christine Donnelly and Jane Vasser and Great Grandchildren Robbie and Samantha. Son Richard Claude Donnelly, Daughter in law Joscylen Donnelly and Grandson Brian James Donnelly.
Bill met Dorothy Marie Welch when she asked him to roller skate with her for the lady's choice. Dorothy had intended to have one skate but Bill, persistent as they come, escorted her home on the streetcar.They dated for the next year until Bill entered the Army Air Corps.He was stationed in Sacramento and about to go overseas.He asked her to marry him and Dot took the train to Sacramento.That was just the start of their life of travel and adventure.
After the service Bill worked for McMillian and Baer as an auto mechanic.He was motivated to enhance his career and wanted to be a field service representative like the ones who came to the shop to help Desoto customers. After a year of calling the regional offices of Desoto and asking to meet for an interview he was hired as a field service representative.The family moved to Niles Ohio to live in the first of 20 houses across 6 different states throughout Bill's career.
Bill retired in 1988 at age 62 after 34 years with Chrysler Corporation. He loved to play golf but after only one week in retirement playing golf daily he started "Donnelly Automotive", an auto dealership consulting business. The freedom of working for himself, plus the added income allowed Bill and Dot to enjoy one of their biggest passions.
Bill and Dot loved to travel. They enjoyed the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Japan, Thailand, the Nordic Countries and Russia.Hawaii and Alaska were favored spots. They enjoyed travelling so much they would go back to revisit their favorite countries.
Bill was an active member of the Geneva Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the fellowship and excellent work done by the "Rowdies" who did maintenance projects for the church. For many years in his late 60's and 70' he enjoyed working for "Meals on Wheels" delivering food to seniors who were not able to easily get out to the store.
Friends and family will gather for an internment at El Toro Cemetery on Saturday June 9th at 12:30 PM followed by a celebration of Bill's life at the Geneva Presbyterian Church at 1:30 PM.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Geneva Presbyterian Church in memory of William James Donnelly.