Patrick Donnelly

On the sunny afternoon of Sunday, September 13, Patrick M. Donnelly passed away peacefully after a courageous 10-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Pat was in his happy place, in his recliner in his sunroom, surrounded by his loving family, his birds, and the deer.

Pat was born in Flint, Michigan, on July 27, 1947, to F. James and Herberta (Bettesworth) Donnelly. In 1961, Pat, his parents, and his siblings made the move from Flint to Bay City, Michigan, where Pat met the love of his life, Judy Frank, while attending St. Mary’s High School. Pat and Judy married shortly after their high school graduation on August 28, 1965, and welcomed two children, Mike and Mary.

Pat began his working career at GM’s Malibou Iron in Saginaw before moving to Consumers Energy, where he worked at the Saginaw River Steam Plant in Zilwaukee, MI. In 1969, Pat and Judy, along with their two young children, took the big leap of leaving behind their extended family and moving to Charlevoix. Pat began working as an Auxiliary Operator (AO) at the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. He spent the rest of his career with Consumers Energy, working at the Midland Nuclear Plant in Midland, MI, the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, MI, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) in Atlanta, GA and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). During his career, Pat steadily moved up through the ranks, beginning as an AO and ultimately becoming Plant Manager of Big Rock Point.

Over their 57 years in Charlevoix, Pat and Judy made countless dear friends. Pat quickly found his happy place at the Townhouse Bar, where he could be found spending time with many of his friends and Big Rock colleagues. Helen Weislik always took great care of her “Big Rock Boys.” Pat played on many men’s softball teams, supporting the Townhouse, Airport Bar, and Chester’s (now known as The Landing) among others.

In his retirement, Pat enjoyed daily coffee with the “coffee boys,” starting at the Townhouse Bar and later moving to the Elks Club and Depot Beach. He always joked that even though he was gone for five months of the year while in Arizona, he could come home and find that they were still talking about the same topics at coffee!

Pat was known for lighting up a room with his infectious laugh and was always ready for a good time. If asked how he was doing, he often replied that he was a “C+” (a little above average) or that he was happy to be “seen” and not “viewed.” His humor, laughter, and ability to make people feel welcome will be deeply missed.

Pat was a very involved member of the Charlevoix community. He served as President of the United Way, on the Chamber of Commerce Board and Michigan Works Board, and as President of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA). He was also an active member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish, where he could often be found ushering or singing with the beloved choir most Sundays. Pat was a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #414 in Bay City.

After retiring, Pat and Judy found their second home in Chandler, Arizona, at Sunbird Golf Resort. They quickly made many dear friends whom they met on the golf course, in the weight room, and at the Horizon Room bar. Pat and Judy became known for their epic St. Patrick’s Day parties, entertaining more than 50 people with corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and karaoke. The friendships they made in Arizona became an important and cherished part of their retirement years.

Pat’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of his Charlevoix and Arizona friends for the love, friendship, care, and concern they have shown Pat and the entire family, especially during his final weeks. We are also deeply grateful to Father Peter Wigton and Father Matthew Wigton for their compassionate care and support throughout Pat’s final days.

Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Judy, and his children, Mike (Shelley) Donnelly and Mary (Dave) Lang, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Caitlin (Stephen) Busscher, Allison (Jonathan) Logan, Kristin Donnelly, Lexi Lang, Connor Lang, and Cameron (Mikayla) Lang. Pat was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Declan and Kodi Busscher and Evelyn and Oakley Logan, whom he loved dearly.

He is also survived by his siblings Nancy Malovey, Karen LaMoria, Brian (Mary) Donnelly, Suellen Bartel, Tom (Wendy) Donnelly, and Jeff (Kelli) Donnelly; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Larry Gontko, Jim Bollman, Angie Donnelly, Ron (Sue) Frank, Linda (Keith) Schauman, Betsy (Bob) Schoonover, and Jack (Bev) Frank; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, F. James and Herberta Donnelly; his siblings Dennis Donnelly, David (Yvonne) Donnelly, Linda Gontko, Cary Donnelly, Diane Bollman, and Tim Donnelly; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Jill and Dan Revette and Tommy Arnold; and several nieces and nephews.

Pat lived a life filled with family, friendship, service, laughter, faith, and a whole lot of fun. He leaves behind a legacy of love and countless stories that will continue to be shared around coffee tables, golf courses, bars, and family gatherings for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, from 6-9pm, with a Rosary at 8:45pm, at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 19, at 10am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix. Visitation will be held from 9am until the start of Mass.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary's Catholic School, 1005 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, MI, 49720

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign his online guestbook below.