Obituary of Kevin A. Donnelly

Kevin Anthony Donnelly passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, following complications from pneumonia. He was ninety-four years old. Born on January 9, 1932, in the Bronx, New York, Kevin was the beloved son of Harry and Eileen Donnelly. Throughout his long and full life, Kevin was a devoted son, a loving brother and uncle, a cherished cousin, and a loyal friend to many. He was known for his kindness, consideration, compassion, and generosity—a true Irish soul whose warmth and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Kevin grew up in the South Bronx and attended Cardinal Hayes High School, graduating in 1950. He later attended New York Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Engineering in 1952. His work ethic and independence shaped both his professional life and the way he lived. Kevin began his career as an engineer with the New York State Power Authority. After several years, he made the bold decision to change paths and pursue his entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing a limousine and starting his own limousine business. Kevin took great pride in being self-employed and valued the independence of setting his own schedule. Over the course of his 30year career, he chauffeured many well-known and distinguished individuals before retiring in 1995. A devout Catholic, Kevin's faith was central to his life. In 1965, he traveled to Italy, where he visited Padre Pio and spent a total of 20 days in San Giovanni Rotondo. During that time, Padre Pio accepted Kevin as a spiritual son—an experience that profoundly shaped his spiritual journey. Kevin was a dedicated parishioner of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Woodside for 67 years, attending Mass regularly until just a few months before his passing. Kevin had a deep love of travel and was fortunate to explore many parts of the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Among his favorite destinations were Ireland, Puerto Rico, and California, places that brought him great joy and lasting memories. He also greatly enjoyed horse racing and many afternoons spent at the racetrack. At one point, Kevin even owned a racehorse named Packy, a source of much pride and enjoyment. He was also an avid football fan and loved participating in football pools with his family, always relishing the friendly competition and shared laughter. Kevin’s loving memory will live on with his brother Brian Donnelly and his wife Jane; his nephew Kenneth Donnelly and his wife Lori, and their children Caroline, Carson, and Amelia; his niece-in-law Julia Negrete who is the widow of Kevin’s deceased nephew Marc Donnelly; and his niece Karena Donnelly Healy and her husband Kieran, and their children Jack and Patrick. He is also survived by his beloved cousin Eileen Fahy and children Brendan and Christopher, his loving cousins Sheila Marks, Teresa Bluemell, Monica Ruscil, and their families, as well as many extended family members and dear friends. Kevin touched the lives of all who knew him, and his kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit will live on through the memories he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us, his presence will forever remain in our hearts. A celebration of Kevin's life will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, located at 4307 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside, NY 11104. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 5802 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, NY 11377. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin's memory to The Voice of Padre Pio at: https://donate.vocedipadrepio.com/ .