Gerard "Rod" Donnelly

Gerard Felix Donnelly (Rod) was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 2, 1933, the eleventh of twelve children to Felix and Helen Donnelly.  He passed away at home surrounded by family on June 9, 2025.

He is predeceased by infant son, Christopher Gerard and siblings Camillus Cryne, Harold, Helen Allen, Miriam Lenahan, Veronica Mooney, Agnes, Thomas, Jack, Raymond and Joan Jarnecki.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carole, daughter Kerrin Donnelly Rooney, son Gerard Brian Donnelly, M.D., grandchildren Nicholas Rooney, Christopher, Mary, Andrew and Gerard Donnelly.  He is also survived by his brother James and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Rod’s parents had both passed by the time he was 13 years old.  He lived with his sister Camillus Cryne and her family and then with sister Helen Allen and her family. He completed his elementary education at the Holy Cross School in Brooklyn.  Rod attended high school at the St. Joseph’s Juniorate in Peabody, Massachusetts.  

Rod served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1954 in the 10th Signal Company Infantry Division as a teletype and signal operator stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas.  He was recognized by his company as soldier of the month in June 1954 and achieved the rank of corporal.

Rod went to college on the G.I. Bill, graduating from St. John’s University.  After college, he worked for O.E. McIntyre on Long Island.  He met the love of his life, Carole Morgan at the company ‘s Manhattan headquarters.  Surprisingly they both lived in Freeport, NY.  As a life long salesman, he always said that marrying Carole was the best sale he ever made.

He had the good fortune to retire from two long-term careers, first at Mergenthaler Linotype where he sold typesetting equipment and later at the NYS Department of Labor where he helped fellow veterans find jobs and build careers.  In 2008, he was recognized by the American Legion as the Veterans Employment Representative of the Year and finally retired at the age of 80 to spend his remaining golden years to enjoy time with family and friends.

Family will receive visitors Thursday, June 12th 2 – 4:30 & 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home 245 Montauk Hwy. West Sayville. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, June 13th 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence RC Church 240 W. Main St. Sayville. Interment will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery Westbury.