Brian Michael Donnelly, of Medford, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, May 19th at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 61.
Born in Brighton, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, he was a cherished son of Andrea (Baker) Bakish and her husband, John of Randolph. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Leo Donnelly. Graduating from high school, Brian joined the United States Navy. He was proud to serve his country in Europe. Honorably discharged from the Navy, Brian went to work for Polaroid Corporation. He enjoyed his work there. He made many friends and also became a proficient bowler. Brian bowled left-handed in a lively league which won many awards.
Leaving Polaroid, Brian served an apprenticeship to become an electrician. In 1987, he married his wife, Patricia at St. Joseph’s Church in Medford. After his son, Ryan was born, Brian earned his journeyman’s license and started his own company: Donnelly Electric. He and his wife Patricia worked together to build the company which served the local community. Eventually having sold the family’s electrical business, Brian joined Local 103 IBEW. He was a proud member for seventeen years.
Brian was a loving man. For his family and friends and even strangers, he would always be the first to lend a helping hand. Daring and free spirited, Brian was known to take risks and to try anything. He once jumped from a helicopter. He was thrilled to parasail.
Brian traveled often with his family. They vacationed in Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia Beach and Ocean City. Brian loved the sun and beach. He loved all kinds of food and was not afraid to try uncommon foods. However, if asked to name his favorite foods, he would most likely respond: BBQ and Seafood. Fun-loving and energetic, Brian was a loyal Boston Sports fan and enjoyed their games often with family and friends. He will be remembered as a caring, loving and happy man with an infectious smile and an inviting sense of humor.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife Patricia (Stone) Donnelly, with whom he shared thirty loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Kristen and Ryan Donnelly, both of Medford. The dear brother of Leo Donnelly and his wife Dotty, Stephen Donnelly and his wife Pat, Gary Donnelly and his wife Patty, Jimmy Donnelly, Dianne Famolare and her husband Anthony, Andrea Boudreau and her husband Jim, Teri Donnelly and her partner Chris. He was the loving son-in-law of Joseph Stone and his wife Christine of Medford. Adored brother-in-law of Elizabeth Liberty, Mark Stone, Karen Stone and her partner William Brady. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and close friends.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Tuesday, May 24th at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, in Medford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brian’s name may be sent to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Attn: Pancreatic Cancer Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.