Michael Richard Donnell Sr, age 97 of Watkins Glen, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018.
He was born on May 31, 1921 at home to Irish immigrants Elizabeth (nee Campbell) and Michael Donnell. He is survived by his seven children Linda (Lee) Bradley of Newington, CT; Michael Jr. (Susan) Donnell of Hilton Head, SC; Kathleen (John) Sargent of Winter Springs, FL; Timothy (Laurie) Donnell of Pittsford, NY; Carol (Robert) Tully of Deerfield Beach, FL; Barbara (John Doolittle) of Watkins Glen, NY; and Mary (Eric Herminghausen) of East Burke, VT; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years Jeanne Smith Donnell, and their infant son Kevin Gerard; parents Michael and Elizabeth Campbell Donnell and brother John Donnell of Watkins Glen; sisters Ella Cronin (Paul) Craugh of Lakemont, NY; Margaret (Leon) Van Ostrand of Syracuse, NY; brother-in-law Robert (Mary) Smith of Long Beach, CA; sister-in-law Joyce (Gordon) Bidlack of Canton, CT; sister-in-law Dorothy (Albert) Franzese of Watkins Glen, NY.
Michael was a lifelong resident of Watkins Glen and proudly possessed dual citizenship with his family’s homeland of Ireland. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the 13th Army Air Corps while being stationed in numerous locations in the Southwest Pacific Basin. He retired after 35 years from the US Postal Service. He then enjoyed several years of service as an attendant and tour guide at Watkins Glen State Park. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and a choir member. He was a member of American Legion Post 555 and the BPOE of Watkins Glen.
Michael enjoyed long walks, had great pride his town and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of the area. The family is forever grateful for the loving home care provided by Ashley and the support of many loving neighbors. Special thanks to the staff of Seneca View Unit 1 for providing such comforting care.
The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home on Wednesday September 26th from 6pm to 8pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday September 27th at 10am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Watkins Glen. You may express condolences or “Light a Candle of Remembrance” online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com
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