Donald (Donny) Edward Foley, Jr., born on October 11, 1952, passed away on January 23, 2025 at Boston Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief and courageous second battle with cancer. He was the dear son of, and is predeceased by, Donald Edward and Jean (Kelly) Foley and is the oldest of their six children.
Donny spent his formative years in Brighton where he grew up and later raised his own family before moving to West Roxbury. A dedicated sports fan, and presence larger than life, Donny “the Deal” Foley, a mainstay at Fenway Park and Boston Garden, earned his career and made many lifelong friends in Boston. A friend of Bill W. for 42 years, Donny met the love of his life, his wife and partner of 33 years, Roseanne Owens. They enjoyed raising a blended family and especially cherished watching their nine grandchildren grow, attending every event possible, including practices, and cheering them on from the sidelines. Donny taught his own children countless life skills, supporting them in academics, coaching, encouraging, and advising them through all of life’s milestones and challenges. They enjoyed annual summer road trips to Indian Head Resort, playing car games and rocking to karaoke. Donny’s wisdom, generosity, strength, positivity, and love for family and community will live on in his legacy and through his children. His family and the time he spent with them were his greatest joys and his proudest moments in this world.
Donny is the adored father of Donald Edward Foley, III and his wife Melanie of Wakefield, Samantha Daniels and her husband David of Newton, and Derek Foley and his fiancé Caroline Borshoff of Rochester, New York; stepfather of Ashley Murphy, Alyse Fiamma, and Shawn Hayes. Dedicated grandfather of Steven and John Landry, Frances Daniels, Rebecca Clark, Evelyn Murphy, Donald John (DJ) Foley, William (Billy) Foley, Liam Grenier, and Sean (Teddy) Daniels. He is predeceased by his brother John and survived by his loving siblings, Mary Ellen and Michael Perry of West Roxbury, Peter of California, Timothy of West Roxbury, Edward and Lisa of Leominster and many dear nieces and nephews.
A vibrant storyteller, and a caring, supportive ear, Donny made a friend wherever he went and brought positive energy and entertainment to every event. He never missed a wake or funeral.
Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday, January 31st at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Name Church at 10am. Visiting Hours on Thursday, January 30th from 3-8pm. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Cancer Research Institute. For guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.