Patrick I. Donnelly's Obituary
Patrick Donnelly age 76, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 26, 2011 at, Beebe Medical Center. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Thursday, December 06, 1934, son of the late Andrew and Annie (Brady) Donnelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Martha Diamond, Isabelle Campbell, Anne McIlduff and Rosaleen Sumislawski; one brother, Andrew Donnelly; and his partner of 41 years; David F. O' Donnell, who passed away on March 11, 2007.
As a child growing up in Ireland, Pat believed the stories he heard, that "The Streets of America were Paved in Gold" and always longed to come here.
In 1954, Pat completed a two year nursing course for Tuberculosis at the Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex where he shared a house with his friend Michael Riley and two other students. During his time there, Pat became involved in amateur dramatics, which in part was dressing up. The staff put on a once-a-year show for all of the patients and Pat was the director, producer and star entertainer. At that time, his pay was only 10 pounds per month, but he managed to save enough to visit London once every six to eight weeks to go to the theatre and visit a local coffee house.
Pat was a movie buff since childhood; much of which was spent at the movies watching the old classics. This helped him with the hospital productions, as he could remember all of the characters and could quote lines from the films that he loved.
After completing his studies at Broomfield Hospital , Pat went to Romford in Essex to do his RN training for the next 2 and a half years. He then returned to Broomfield to work in the operating room as a staff nurse until he left for America.
Pat did live the "American Dream" and became a U.S. Citizen in 1979. He completed his BS and MS at Jersey City State College in Jersey City, New Jersey. He worked for JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ, becoming a hospital administrator.
His love for the movies and the theatre continued throughout his live and he astounded people with his knowledge. He had a vast collection of classic movies and loved to view and share them with family and friends. In addition to his love of movies and the theater, Pat loved to sing and dance and travel worldwide, especially to Ireland, Austria, Australia and Italy. Pat was a member of the Rehoboth Beach VFW Post 7447 and a volunteer at CAMP Rehoboth.
Pat is survived by one brother, Joseph Donnelly of Graz, Austria, and many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the world.
A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958 with the Rev. Thomas Starnes Officiating. His family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM.
A Graveside Service for Patrick and his deceased partner, David F. O'Donnell will be held on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Hollywood Memorial Park, 1500 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
Memorial Contributions suggested to: Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary of Sussex County, PO Box 430, Nassau, DE 19969.
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