October 13, 2016

William F. Donnelly ’51; Faithful Friar award recipient served in multiple alumni capacities

William F. Donnelly ’51, a longtime alumni volunteer who was a recipient of the National Alumni Association’s Faithful Friar award, died on Aug. 1, 2016. He was 86.

A professional photographer, Mr. Donnelly served Providence College in many ways for many years, most recently as a class ambassador in 2015-16. He also was a class agent, served on his class reunion committee, participated in alumni phonathons, and was a regular attendee at such programs as Alumni and Family Weekend and other College events. This past June, he celebrated his 65th class reunion.

Born in Providence, Mr. Donnelly resided in Riverside, R.I., for much of his life, though he lived in Danielson, Conn., for the past 10 years. A graduate of La Salle Academy in Providence, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from PC.

Mr. Donnelly worked in sales for Mercury Mail prior to becoming the owner and operator of Donnelly Photography of East Providence for 32 years. This past June, the East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club honored him with a Lifetime Achievement award for both his professional contributions as a photographer to citizens throughout Rhode Island and for his dedication as a Rotarian, which included serving as president.

Mr. Donnelly is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ella F. (Gray) Donnelly; three daughters, Patricia Reidy, Colleen Martino, and Kathleen Heffernan; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was the husband of the late Margaret Plant and the brother of the late Raymond Donnelly.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Donnelly was celebrated on Aug. 5 in St. Brendan Church, Riverside.