Obituary of Michael B. Donnelly, Sr.

Michael B. Donnelly, Sr., 76, of New Britain, died Friday (May 11, 2018) at Hartford Hospital, with loving family by his side. Born April 15, 1942 in Fintona, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, the son of the late Bernard and Catherine Donnelly. Michael was the beloved husband of the late Patricia (Melley) Donnelly, who died April 6, 2011. Michael came to this country in the early 1960’s and worked for Stanley Works for many years as an inspector. Proud of his Irish Heritage, he was a Founder and Past President of John Downey Division I of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in New Britain, was also a member of Irish Northern Aid and the Irish American Home in Glastonbury.

Michael is survived by his sons, Michael Jr. and his wife, Lois Donnelly and John and his wife, Maria Donnelly, all of Wethersfield; his grandchildren, Michael Joseph, Julia, Aidan Michael and Ryan Joseph Donnelly; two sisters, May (Donnelly) Haughey of Scotland and Bridget (Donnelly) Biddle of California. Michael is also survived by his very close friend, John Turner of Cheshire, three sisters-in-law, Peggy and her husband Howard Asal of Berlin, Joanne McNamara of New Britain and Diane Alverio Melley of New Britain, a brother- in-law John Podbielski of New Britain and several nieces, nephews and cousins in this country and abroad. He was predeceased by three brothers, John Donnelly formerly of Southington, Danny Donnelly formerly of New Britain and Patrick Donnelly formerly of Ireland/Scotland.

Funeral services will be held Friday (May 18, 2018) 9:00 AM from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The Donnelly family would like to thank Dr. Catherine Holmes for the exceptional care given to their Dad