Harold “Jack” Donnelly passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving wife, Carmella “Connie” Barone-Donnelly, marking the loss of a remarkable man on May 4, 2025.
At 82, Jack showed real courage, care, and strong support for his family, country, and community.
The news of Harold Donnelly’s death has saddened many, but his legacy as a Marine, athlete, and kind person will live on.
Born in October 1942 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Esther and Harold S. Donnelly, Jack’s early years were shaped by the values of hard work and resilience.
His family later moved to Corning, New York, where Jack’s talents began to shine.
A gifted student, he attended Elmira College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree before pursuing engineering studies at Cornell University alongside his loyal Great Dane, Samson.
His academic prowess paved the way for a successful career, first as a Manufacturing Engineer at Corning Glass Works and later at Anheuser-Busch in Houston, Texas, where he retired.
In Houston, Jack met Connie, the love of his life. Their connection was immediate and strong.
They formed a partnership that lasted for decades and was filled with shared adventures.
In 2008, the couple settled in Louisville, Kentucky, where they raised their children—Lola, Rocky, and Molly.
Jack’s devotion to his family was the heartbeat of his life, and his love for Connie was a quiet, steady force that inspired those around him.
A Marine Shows Great Courage And Athletic Skill In Every Challenge Faced
Jack’s service in the United States Marine Corps was a defining chapter of his life.
He earned numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Marine Award, Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
His discipline and bravery in the Marines were matched by his athletic achievements, particularly in wrestling.
Jack showcased his strength and skill on a national stage as an alternate for the Military Olympic Wrestling Team.
His induction into the Lake Lehman Wrestling Club Hall of Fame on January 13, 1996, was a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Beyond wrestling, Jack excelled as a left guard for the Lake Lehman Football Team and was the top wrestler on the Lake Lehman Wrestling Team.
His athletic versatility extended to music, where he played drums for the Lake Lehman Band, blending rhythm and precision in a way that mirrored his approach to life.
Jack’s ability to balance strength, creativity, and discipline made him a standout in every arena he entered.
As a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite member, and Shriner, he dedicated countless hours to the Shriners’ Transportation Committee, ensuring children received critical medical care.
His selflessness was a hallmark of his character, whether he was driving a child to a hospital or quietly supporting a neighbor in need.
Jack’s courage wasn’t just in his actions but in how he lived, with a heart always open to others.
Jack and Connie built a life rich in Louisville with community and connection.
He was a familiar face at local events, always ready with a warm smile or a story from his colorful past.
His love for animals was evident in his support for the Kentucky Humane Society, and his patriotism fueled his advocacy for organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnel to Towers.
Jack Donnelly was a man who faced life’s challenges with strong resolve and determination.
Whether on the wrestling mat, in the Marine Corps, or in the everyday moments of family life, he prioritized others.
His bravery was not loud or boastful but woven into the fabric of his actions—a kind word, a helping hand, a life lived with purpose.
To know Jack was to see a man who made the world better simply by being himself.
The Donnelly Family Invites Friends And Community Members To Celebrate Jack’s Life
Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady and Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222, on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
A Masonic service will take place at 7:00 PM, followed by a eulogy honoring Jack’s life.
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Jack will be laid to rest at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliffe, Kentucky, where his military service will be honored.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers, or the Kentucky Humane Society—causes that reflect Jack’s values and passions.
The passing of Harold “Jack” Donnelly marks the end of an era, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched.
From the wrestling mats of Lake Lehman to the hospitals where he drove children in need, Jack’s life was a testament to the power of courage, love, and service.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world a better place.
Jack Donnelly was more than a Marine, an athlete, or a community leader—he was a man who showed us what it means to live with heart.
