It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John A. Donnelly, a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. A man of unwavering faith, John lived his life as one
long prayer, joyfully dedicated to making the lives of others easier, better, more fun, and more
meaningful.

John was a proud Army veteran, who's deep commitment to Christ and his community was ever
present; he served as Grand Knight for the Fr. O'Neill Council (#4011), volunteered with Hospice,
brought communion to the homebound and never declined a request to help a stranger or friend in
need.

John had a long career with Catholic Relief Services, the international arm of the American Catholic
Bishops Conference (USCCB). His significant accomplishments spanned almost four decades, from the
post war years in the early 1960's thru the late 1990s. During that time he impacted the lives of
hundreds of millions of poor, vulnerable and suffering victims of hunger, deprivation, suffering and
neglect. It was pioneers like John who initially worked in the administrative trenches of CRS and later led
operations from the executive ranks to build CRS to the premiere agency it is recognized as today. In his
responsibilities, he worked with Heads of State, Senators and Congressmen alongside Bishops, Popes
and at least two saints—Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint Pope John Paul II. His efforts were highly
successful and in his trademark humility, would attribute it all to prayer and the mercy of God.
John's love for his family was boundless. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years Kathryn (Dugan),
and his six children: Kathleen (Timothy), Steven (Laura), John (Carol), Eileen (Stephen), Tracey, and
Jennifer (John). He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and scores of nieces
and nephews, along with the bonus family he acquired when he married Kathryn.
He will joyfully be welcomed into the afterlife by his first wife, and high school sweetheart, Jean (nee
Dillon), with whom he spent 48 years of wedded bliss with on earth, his grandson, Sean, and countless
siblings, in-laws and friends, who have all gone before him.

A master storyteller with a heart full of gratitude, John shared laughter, wisdom, and kindness with
everyone he met. His legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith will forever be remembered and
cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's and the Franciscan Friars to
Support Christians in the Middle East.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Parish in Palm City, Florida on November 15th at 10AM
A second Funeral mass will be held on November 23, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Parish in
Cockeysville, Maryland.