Donald (Butch) John Donnelly, 79 of Bergen passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by family on Saturday, August 31st at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born to parents George Donnelly and Gladys Wells in Batavia, NY on July 10, 1945.
Butch was a 1963 graduate of Pavilion Central School where he played football and baseball. He was a Spec 4 in the United States Army serving from November 1965 – November 1967 and was stationed in Germany for one of those years.
He retired from Eastman Kodak of Rochester NY in 1998 where he worked as a QC Inspector and in Weights and Measures for many years. He also worked at Stainless Steel Brakes in Clarence, NY prior to his retirement.
Butch was a dedicated volunteer fireman for the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He had previously volunteered through Catholic Charities and was fond of his time providing companionship for senior citizens. Butch enjoyed being a member of the Sackett-Merrill-White American Legion of Bergen, NY.
Butch enjoyed afternoons on his swing with his faithful companion, his dog Cody. He was a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He coached his sons in soccer in their youth. He was a softball umpire for Eastman Kodak softball league for 10 years. After retirement he enjoyed his weekly coffee group with friends. He loved fishing, golfing and spending time outdoors doing yardwork. He so loved his once-a-year visits from his godson Calvin Zito, of Idaho.
Butch is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Diane Marie (Hunt) Donnelly. He is also survived by his children Brian (Robin) Donnelly and Wayne (Dawn) Donnelly. In addition, Butch is survived by his 6 grandchildren Nicole Donnelly, Hannah Donnelly, Jack Donnelly and Samantha Donnelly, Elizabeth Donnelly & Alexander Donnelly. He is also survived by his brother Robert Donnelly and niece Mary (Bob) Diaz and several other nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Eileen Muoio, Elsie Buckman, Eleanor Fisher, Norma Bernard, and June Zito.
There are no prior calling hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 am at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. His celebration of life will follow Mass at the Sage Pavilion, 62 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, at 12:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Bergen.
