Obituary of John Richard Donnelly

BATH/CANISTEO: John Richard Donnelly, of Bath, died Friday, December 6, 2024, at his home after a cardiac event. He was 89. John was born August 26, 1935 at the former Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell, to the late Robert and Gertrude (Harrington) Donnelly of Bishopville. He and his older brother, Robert, spent their early lives on the family farm. John graduated from Arkport Central School and the New York State Ranger School, and served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59. He later worked as a civil engineer for the New York State Department of Transportation in Hornell. On June 28, 1963 in Bishopville, he married Lydia Kramer and the couple settled in Canisteo, where they raised three children. He was a member of Hammondsport Methodist Church and Morning Star Lodge No.# 65 F&AM where he served as treasurer for several years. He was a generous and loving father and a friend to all. In addition to his wife, Lydia of Bath, John is survived by his children: Richard Donnelly and his wife, Dorothy, of Daleville, Virginia; Janet Donnelly and her husband, James Meacham, of Eugene, Oregon; and Joanne Fish and her husband, Dan, of Sherman, NY. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Benjamin Donnelly, Jack Christie, Alexis Eller and Rowan Christie. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm Saturday, December 14th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, with a Masonic service to take place at immediately following calling hours at 4:00 pm. Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to Samaritanspurse.org. https://samaritanspurse.org./ or via mail to Samaritan's Purse/Donor Ministries P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.