Patrick Donnelly
Patrick Donnelly
On the sunny afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, Patrick M. Donnelly passed away peacefully after a courageous 10-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Pat was in his happy place—in his recliner in the sunroom, surrounded by his loving family, his birds, and the deer.
Pat was born in Flint, Michigan, on July 27, 1947, to F. James and Herberta (Bettesworth) Donnelly. In 1961, his family moved to Bay City, where Pat met the love of his life, Judy Frank, at St. Mary’s High School. They married on Aug. 28, 1965, and welcomed two children, Mike and Mary.
Pat began his career at GM’s Malleable Iron and later joined Consumers Energy. In 1969, Pat and Judy moved their young family to Charlevoix, where he began working as an Auxiliary Operator at Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. He spent the remainder of his career with Consumers Energy and related nuclear organizations, ultimately becoming Plant Manager of Big Rock Point.
Over 57 years in Charlevoix, Pat made countless lifelong friends. He found a second home at the Townhouse Bar, where he enjoyed time with friends and Big Rock colleagues. He played on many men’s softball teams and, in retirement, treasured daily coffee with the “coffee boys.” He loved to joke that after spending five months in Arizona, he could return home and find they were still discussing the same topics at coffee!
Pat was known for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Asked how he was doing, he might say he was a “C+” or simply happy to be “seen” and not “viewed.” His humor and laughter will be deeply missed.
Pat was deeply involved in the Charlevoix community, serving as President of the United Way and the Utility Workers Union of America, and on the Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works boards. He was an active member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish, where he ushered and sang in the choir, and was a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
After retiring, Pat and Judy enjoyed winters at SunBird Golf Resort in Chandler, Arizona, where they formed cherished friendships and became known for their legendary St. Patrick’s Day parties.
Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Judy; children Mike (Shelley) Donnelly and Mary (Dave) Lang; grandchildren Caitlin (Stephen) Busscher, Allison (Jonathan) Logan, Kristin Donnelly, Lexi Lang, Connor Lang, and Cameron (Mikayla) Lang; and great-grandchildren Declan, Kodi, Evelyn, and Oakley. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy Malovey, Karen LaMoria, Brian (Mary) Donnelly, Suellen Bartel, Tom (Wendy) Donnelly, and Jeff (Kelli) Donnelly, along with many beloved relatives and friends.
Pat was predeceased by his parents and several siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Pat lived a life filled with family, friendship, service, laughter, faith, and a whole lot of fun. He leaves behind a legacy of love and countless stories that will be shared for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A Funeral Mass was held Sept. 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 1005 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720.