Father Robert J. Donnelly, 92

Father Robert J. Donnelly, 92, died on Oct. 24.

Born on Jan. 7, 1929, in Binghamton, he was the son of the late Robert Joseph Donnelly and Grace Angela Clapper Donnelly. Father Donnelly graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York State College for Teachers in Albany in 1952.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he honorably served his country during the Korean War, attaining the rank of lieutenant. Following his military service, Father Donnelly received a Master of Arts degree in theatre from the Yale Drama School in 1962. He worked summers in professional theatre and opera from 1959-68 while teaching college theatre at Idaho State (1961), Dartmouth College (1962-65), and the University at Albany from 1965 until his retirement in 1987.

It was at that time that Father Donnelly answered his call to ministry and entered St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md., studying for the priesthood from 1987-91. He was ordained in June 1991 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

During his ministry, Father Donnelly served the parishes of St. Joseph’s in Schenectady; Holy Infancy in Lake Luzerne; St. Pius X in Loudonville; and St. Ann’s in Fort Ann. He also served as chaplain of the Convent of Mercy and Villa Mary Immaculate in Albany. He retired from active ministry in June 2001.

Father Donnelly is survived by nephews, retired Rear Adm. Archer Martin Macy Jr., Navy, of Arlington, Va., Dr. Robert Donnelly Macy of Beverly Farms, Mass., William Murray Macy of Capitola, Calif., and Eugene Everit Macy of Avon, Conn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Cathrine Donnelly Macy, Dolores Ann Donnelly and retired Lt. Col. Grace Elizabeth Donnelly, Air Force; and nephew, John Noel Macy.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held Oct. 29 in Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. Burial followed at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.