Lawrence M. (“Larry”) Donnelly, 83, a longtime resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away on October 6, 2016 in Beverly, MA from the effects of Lewy Body dementia. While the disease affected his abilities in his final months, he will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor.
Larry had a curious mind and a love of both science and history. In the early 1960’s he understood that computers were going to be critical in the future and he put himself through night classes to learn programming. His logical mind and love of puzzles were an asset in this field, and Larry went on to have a long career as a computer programmer and systems analyst for Honeywell.
Larry was often soft-spoken and quiet, but his kindness always shone through, and his sense of justice and concern for the less fortunate showed the strength of his character.
Larry was born in Framingham, MA to Mary (Hoban) and Michael Donnelly as one of ten children. His sister Kathleen (Donnelly) Parkyn is the only surviving sibling. He is pre-deceased by brothers Francis, James, Edward, Joseph, and William and by sisters Mary, Dorothy, and Jean.
The love of his life and his wife of over 50 years, Dorothea (Mullin) Donnelly, pre-deceased Larry in 2011, as did his daughter, Moira Williams, in 2010. Larry is survived by his children, Mark Donnelly of Groveland, MA, Matthew Donnelly of Wilmington, MA and his daughters Elizabeth and Linnea, Timothy Donnelly and his wife Jane, of Rockport, MA and their daughter, Laura, and by Megan Donnelly and her spouse, Leslie, of Moosic, PA. He is also survived by his son-in-law Bo Rutherfordton, NC, as well as numerous “in-laws”, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, October 10th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in Larry’s memory may be made to Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545.