Daniel Joseph Donnelly, Jr., age 88, of The Villages, Florida, and formerly of Scranton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at UF Health Spanish Plains Hospital in The Villages.
Born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Mr. Donnelly was the son of the late Daniel Joseph Donnelly and Florence (née Farrell) Donnelly. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Loretta Kaslavage, Florence Butterfield, and William Donnelly.
Mr. Donnelly honorably and proudly served in the United States Navy beginning in 1956, with assignments aboard the USS Canberra II in Guantanamo Bay, the Philippines, and the Mediterranean. Following his military service, he was married for 65 years to the love of his life, Dorothy (née Grogan), and raised their family in Minooka, PA. He enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania, retiring as a manager in 1991.
In recognition of his professional accomplishments and lifelong dedication to others, Mr. Donnelly was honored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives upon his retirement for his “outstanding ability, integrity, and devotion to duty.” That same year, the City of Scranton proclaimed March 28, 1992, as “Danny Donnelly Day” to celebrate his 35 years of service, his volunteer work with local sports programs, and his deep commitment to St. Joseph’s Parish.
A man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to his family and community, Mr. Donnelly was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Scranton and St. Timothy’s in Lady Lake, FL. He served as a church lector, youth football coach, and was affectionately known as the “Voice” of the Scranton Eagles Semi-Pro Football Team. He loved to “go flying” after receiving his amateur pilot’s license. After retiring to The Villages, he remained active in many hobbies, especially golf and choir, and enjoyed new friendships. Mr. Donnelly had a deep love of his Irish heritage, celebrating anything Irish with great pride and joy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his children, Daniel (Kristin), Cindy (Joseph), Susan (Robert), and Scott (Karen); his grandchildren, Chelsea Mercado, Shane, Quinn, and Olivia Pfender, Evan Donnelly and Zseth Linde; and his great-grandchildren, Finn Malloy, Milo, and Vada Mercado.
Arrangements will be at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Lady Lake with interment at Florida National Cemetery with Honor Guard Services on Friday, November 7, at 8:30 a.m.