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MARQUETTE TWP, MI - Robert Joseph Donnelly, age 79, of Marquette Township, entered eternal life October 11, 2026, at UP Health System Marquette.
Born March 7, 1947, in Marquette, a son of Maurice Richard and Frances Geraldine (McCarthy) Donnelly, Bob was raised in Marquette and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1965. He entered the US Marine Corps, serving during Vietnam and, upon receiving his honorable discharge, returned to Marquette. Locally, he was employed with the Bunny Bread Bakery, in construction, and with the Board of Light and Power before beginning a long career as custodian at St. Peter Cathedral. There, he not only served doing maintenance, but also was a Jack-of-all trades, performing a variety of duties. He retired in 2009. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed woodworking, reading, and loved to tinker with anything that wouldn't work. Bob was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 13333, life member of the DAV, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.
Bob is survived by his wife, Bobbi Donnelly, whom he married August 24, 1996; daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Meloche of Fowlerville and Kate (Jeff) Jackson of Rapid River; grandchildren, Jacob, Ben, Caleb, Nathan, and James Meloche, Samuel, Janet, and Connor Jackson; brothers, Michael (Kay) Donnelly of Harvey, and Maurice (Linda) Donnelly of Pinehurst, NC; brother-in-law, David Haywood of Norway, MI; and brother-in-law and special friend, Louis Mohar of Marquette; many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Rebecca (the late Marv) Benzing, Elizabeth Haywood; and brother, Pat Donnelly.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm with Rev. Dan Moll, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com