Francis Donelan Enfield, Connecticut Obituary

Francis Donelan

Francis John Donelan of Enfield CT died on Thursday, April 3rd. He was born in Boston on May 13, 1926, the son of Anita LeBlanc Donelan and William J. Donelan. He attended parochial schools in Hyde Park, MA, and was a 1943 graduate of Hyde Park High School. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He served in the South Pacific as an Aviation Radioman and Gunner on Patrol Aircraft assigned to the Seaplane Tender U.S.S. Tangier (AV8), and also did occupation duty in Japan and China after the conclusion of hostilities. Upon honorable discharge, he enrolled at Boston College, where he graduated as a member of the class of 1950. He was also awarded an MBA from Northeastern University in 1954. In 1948, he married his wife of 59 years, Eileen (Sullivan) Donelan, also formerly of Hyde Park, MA. He was the beloved father and father in law of Jeanne Donelan Rapacki and her husband Steven of Pipersville, PA, William and his wife Patricia of Andover, MA, Brian of Dartmouth, MA, Matthew and his wife Patricia of Farmington, CT, and Christopher and his wife Sandra of Enfield, CT. He was the proud grandfather of nine, Julia and Greg Rapacki, Sarah and Michael Donelan, Amanda, Michaela and Nicholas Donelan, and Kyle and Caroline Donelan. During the Korean War, he joined the U. S. Naval Reserve, serving as an Intelligence officer. He retired after 26 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was very proud of his Naval service. He spent the majority of his career in the Insurance Industry, retiring as an Insurance Examiner for the State of Connecticut. He was active in the community, serving as President of The Human Growth Foundation of CT, leading a Cub Scout Pack, teaching religious education, and participating in theater productions with The Saint Martha Players. Over his lifetime, he gave of his time and treasure to many volunteer and charitable organizations. He loved to golf, and he played the guitar and had a beautiful baritone voice. He is also survived by his loving sister Anita Donelan Iverson of Dedham, MA, and dear brother William C. Donelan of Florida. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Donelan. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The Susan E. Donelan Search for Hope Fund, care of The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, attn: Contribution Services. Family and friends will gather 9am Monday April 7, 2008 at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield for a funeral procession to St. Adalbert's Church for a 10am Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Francis's life. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in St. Adalbert's Cemetery. Calling hours will take place on Sunday April 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels.
May 13, 1926 - April 3, 200805/13/192604/03/2008
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Obituary

Francis John Donelan of Enfield CT died on Thursday, April 3rd. He was born in Boston on May 13, 1926, the son of Anita LeBlanc Donelan and William J. Donelan. He attended parochial schools in Hyde Park, MA, and was a 1943 graduate of Hyde Park High School. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He served in the South Pacific as an Aviation Radioman and Gunner on Patrol Aircraft assigned to the Seaplane Tender U.S.S. Tangier (AV8), and also did occupation duty in Japan and China after the conclusion of hostilities. Upon honorable discharge, he enrolled at Boston College, where he graduated as a member of the class of 1950. He was also awarded an MBA from Northeastern University in 1954. In 1948, he married his wife of 59 years, Eileen (Sullivan) Donelan, also formerly of Hyde Park, MA. He was the beloved father and father in law of Jeanne Donelan Rapacki and her husband Steven of Pipersville, PA, William and his wife Patricia of Andover, MA, Brian of Dartmouth, MA, Matthew and his wife Patricia of Farmington, CT, and Christopher and his wife Sandra of Enfield, CT. He was the proud grandfather of nine, Julia and Greg Rapacki, Sarah and Michael Donelan, Amanda, Michaela and Nicholas Donelan, and Kyle and Caroline Donelan. During the Korean War, he joined the U. S. Naval Reserve, serving as an Intelligence officer. He retired after 26 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was very proud of his Naval service. He spent the majority of his career in the Insurance Industry, retiring as an Insurance Examiner for the State of Connecticut. He was active in the community, serving as President of The Human Growth Foundation of CT, leading a Cub Scout Pack, teaching religious education, and participating in theater productions with The Saint Martha Players. Over his lifetime, he gave of his time and treasure to many volunteer and charitable organizations. He loved to golf, and he played the guitar and had a beautiful baritone voice. He is also survived by his loving sister Anita Donelan Iverson of Dedham, MA, and dear brother William C. Donelan of Florida. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Donelan. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The Susan E. Donelan Search for Hope Fund, care of The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, attn: Contribution Services. Family and friends will gather 9am Monday April 7, 2008 at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield for a funeral procession to St. Adalbert's Church for a 10am Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Francis's life. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in St. Adalbert's Cemetery. Calling hours will take place on Sunday April 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels.

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