James Herbert Donnell (Pappy) passed away peacefully on Monday January 19, 2015 surrounded by his family at UPMC Hamot following a brief illness. He was born in Waterford on April 15, 1922 to Lysle and Martha (Myers) Donnell.
Pappy married Elizabeth ????ette???? (Williamson) Donnell at her parent?????s home in 1942. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corp, he returned to the Waterford area and farmed from 1945-1968 owning various farms in Erie and Crawford County. In 1968 he accepted a position with the new Erie County Vo-Tech School as Head of Maintenance until his retirement in 1988.
Pappy was a volunteer fireman with Stancliff Hose Co. for nearly 50 years. During this time he held several different offices, was Fire Chief for five of those years and brought several new babies into the world. He was also a life member of Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. and Union City Fire Department. In 1985 he was elected Mayor of Waterford, which he was extremely proud of. Through the years he served in various positions on the Waterford Cemetery Board and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 285 in Waterford.
Pappy is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth ????ette???? (Williamson) Donnell, a brother Robert Donnell, a sister Dorothy Donnell, son-in-law John Flynn, grandson-in-law Kenneth J. Spinks and great-grandson Cody Glover.
He is survived by two sisters, Flora (Donnell) Woods and husband Ken, and Ebby (Donnell) Connell; two sons, James R. Donnell, and William L. Donnell and wife Kathy; two daughters, Martha (Kidd) Flynn, and Janette Morrison and husband David. He had eight grandchildren that meant the world to him: Bethany Donnell, Frank Kidd, Brenda (Kidd) Lacalmontie and husband Guillaume, Mindy (Donnell) Baney and husband Greg, Michele (Donnell) Hecker and husband Tom, James Patrick Donnell and wife Missy, Trish (Morrison) Spinks, Tara (Morrison) Steiner and husband Rich; also several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching football (especially the Steelers), mowing grass, plowing snow and riding his Kubota into Jake?????s to have breakfast with his friend Ron. Every morning he would lie in bed and wait for his friend Lu to call and give him his orders for the day. Nothing made him happier than surprise visits from his best friend Spike.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff from Independence Court and UPMC Hamot for their continued support during this difficult time and special thanks to our angel Laura.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, PA on Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor James Galvin of the Waterford First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Waterford Cemetery, PO Box 951, or Stancliff Hose Co., PO Box 275, both in Waterford, PA 16441.
Rest in peace Pappy….. to the entire family thoughts and prayers are with you at the very sad time…..Jan you used to babysit my brother Jim and I as we lived right next door to your mom and dad…I remember coming to your parents house and we would play mouse trap…thoughts are with you….With sympathy…..Joyce(Doolittle) McAninch
Caring thoughts for the entire family at this time of great sorrow. Great memories and long friend. Pappy and Tom will be together again in the hands of heaven. We are sadden to see him go.
With Sympathy, Love and Prayers : The Posavec Family
Tara, Trish, Mrs. Morrison & Mr. Morrison, Please accept our deepest condolences. We are praying for strength and comfort for you at this time. We know that it can be difficult to lose someone close, and know that everyone deals with loss in different ways. We want you to know that we are praying for you, because God knows what you need right now. We love you guys so much & wish we could be there to help you through this time. Just know that we’re there in spirit and thinking and praying for you all.
Love, Pete, Lisa, Gianna & Sophia Della Ratta
So sorry for your loss we will keep your family in are prays
To the Donnell family,
Our family wishes to express our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one.
We trust that you will feel comfort in knowing that Pappy lived a long full life. His kind and caring hands touched many people. His vast knowledge imparted wisdom at the appropriate times. He will be missed by many because all who met him learned to love him.
Rev. Frederick J. Baney and Family
This community will greatly miss Pappy and his special talents; our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Pappy, you touched hearts with your friendship and the love outdoors and gardening. You will be missed by the Caldwell family (especially Claire) she looked forward to gardening and growing watermelons for you. May you be at peace. The Lord has received another special angel.
He was such a part of Waterford. He will be sadly missed by many.
I will miss you Uncle Jim. I have many memories that I will always treasure. Mom (your sister Ebby) misses you terribly and it hurts that she can’t be thereto say goodbye in person. Know that she loves you and misses you. Love you.
So very sorry for your loss Jan, Dave, Trish and Tara. Let us know if you need any thing. RIP Pappy
Gary and I send our condolences and prayers to your family. May God help you through this sad time. Our deepest sympathies.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Such a great man. He will be missed.
~ the McIntire family
I will miss you very much Pappy. I will always remember trick or treating and seeing you riding around in your truck and the times we came out to visit with Grandma Ebby. I love you and will miss you.
So sorry for your loss Jan and family. You will be in our prayers.