Retired electrical engineer, Korean War veteran

Published in the November 5, 2015 edition

Francis-Donnelly-Obit-webNORTH READING — Francis E. Donnelly Jr., 83, of North Reading and formerly of Arlington, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Beverly.

Born in Arlington on June 15, 1932, he was the son of the late Francis E. Sr. and Ethel McCall (Browne) Donnelly. He was a graduate of Arlington High School and Tufts University. Francis was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an Airman First Class and he served from 1950 to 1954.

Francis was a retired Electrical Engineer, he worked for Sylvania, Honeywell and for Loral. He was a resident of North Reading for the past 57 years. He was a member of St. Theresa Church and he sang with Jade. He composed and arranged music and was also known as a very good trumpet player.

Family members include his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret M. (Tyrell) Donnelly; his loving sons, Michael F. Donnelly of Renton, Wash., Thomas E. Donnelly Manchester, N.H. and James P. Donnelly of Beverly; his daughters, Deborah Donnelly of North Reading and Diane McLaughlin of Middleton. He was the brother of the late David Donnelly and is also survived by six grandchildren.

His funeral was held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Monday, Nov. 2 at 9:15 a.m, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Theresa Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading.  Burial was in Westview Cemetery in Lexington. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675 or to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.