Terrence Franklin “Terry” Donnelly, 73 of 910 Highland Drive, Harvey, passed on Friday, July 15, 2005, at his home.
Terry was born July 1, 1932 in Ontonagon, the son of Joseph Michael and Virginia (Testman) Donnelly. At the time of his birth, his father a lifelong Democrat, was a delegate to the Democratic Convention in Chicago. Thus the middle name of ‘Franklin’ to honor the nomination of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the Democratic ticket. Terry was also a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.
Terry received his high school education at Nazareth Hall, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Venard Prep Seminary, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He entered the seminary of St. Lawrence at Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, in 1949. He continued his studies at St. Francis Major Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and completed his theological studies at St. John’s Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Francis Seminary and a Master’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame in Liturgical Studies. On June 1, 1957 he was ordained a priest in St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette. Terry served as a parish priest at various parishes throughout Upper Michigan. He left the priesthood in 1983.
Terry married Pavie Rasmussen on December 19, 1984 in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Terry was an active member and past president of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, where he currently served as treasurer. This past March he received a lifetime achievement award for his work with MARP. Terry also volunteered with the AA program at the Marquette Branch Prison and also served as a volunteer for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). He was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey.
Terry is survived by:
His wife, Pavie
His brother, John Joseph (Ann Nee) Donnelly of Three Rivers
A sister, Joan Therese (Richard) Sampson of Three Rivers
A sister-in-law, Shirley LaBonte of Marquette
A brother-in-law, Edward “Bob” (Mary) Rasmussen of Iron Mountain
Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Michael Donnelly; and a brother-in-law, Bernie LaBonte.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Friday, July 22, at 12:30 pm with Rev. Ben Paris, pastor, as celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends at a reception in the parish hall following mass. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery with John Johnson, and nephews, Brendan Donnelly, Dan, Mike, and Rick Sampson, Tim and Greg LaBonte serving as pallbearers.
Memorials may be directed to Public Radio 90 or the Marquette County Humane Society.
