Francis Donnelly

Sutton- Francis Donnelly 87 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He leaves behind his wife, Joanne N. Donnelly (Fall) of 64 years. His three children, his daughter, Joanne F. Noons (Donnelly)(Jody) and husband William L. Noons of Stratford NH, his son, Michael F. Donnelly of Holden, Ma., and son, Matthew H. Donnelly and wife Jane Donnelly (Martin) of Sutton, Ma.

His nine grandchildren, Andrew Bardier, Matthew Bardier, Elizabeth Jolin, Hannah Noons, Sean Donnelly, Shannon Donnelly, Adam Donnelly, Neil Donnelly and Mary Ruth Donnelly

Four great-grandchildren, Joseph, Amiyah, Reese and Chace.

Francis also leaves behind his siblings, John Donnelly of Weymouth, Margaret Fiander (Donnelly), her husband Ed of Raleigh, NC., and David Donnelly of Pembroke, Ma.

Francis is predeceased   by his father, Francis A. Donnelly and his mother, Margaret Donnelly (Lewis) of North Weymouth. His sister Jean Hamelrath (Donnelly) and brother-in-law Ed of Hernando, Ms., sister-in- law, Ann Donnelly (Audette) of Weymouth and sister-in-law Marie Donnelly (Provenzano) of Pembroke.

Francis attended school at Our Lady of Czestochowa, Boston Technical High School, Weymouth High School graduating from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Upon graduating Francis taught in Weymouth for two years. He then became a publisher’s representative for Prentice Hall and McGraw Hill publishing companies.

Francis had many interests. He was an avid reader. In his early years he was a camp counselor and swimming director for Camp Wing in Duxbury, Ma. He was also a waterfront director/lifeguard for Weymouth, Ma.

Upon retiring Francis became very involved with the Sutton Historical Society, best know as “the village smithy” making items at the Rufus Putnam Blacksmith shop in the center of Sutton along with his good friend Steve Colognes. Many years Francis worked with Steve during Waters Farm, Farm Days weekend event as well.

A memorial mass to be held at St. Mark’s Church 356 Boston Rd Sutton, Ma. 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. All invited to a social gathering following mass downstairs at St. Mark's.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Francis' favorite charity, World Wildlife Fund,  www.protect.worldwildlife.org, or to a charity of your choice.