Gerald J. Donnelly

Akron-Gerald J Donnelly passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at the age of 87. We will miss his quick wit and adventurous spirit.

Jerry was born in Akron on May 15, 1937 to the late Daniel and Julia (Varner) Donnelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rosemary Donnelly, Marlene Bryce, and Daniel Donnelly. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Fisher) Donnelly and his sister Phyllis Hamlin. He is also survived by his former wife Betty Donnelly and daughters Julie (John) Borders of Columbus OH and Jennifer (Patrick) Hogenbirk of Cincinnati, Ohio, along with grandchildren, Meghan (Carl Brown) Borders, Nicholas Borders, Vanden Hogenbirk, Sophia Hogenbirk, and Chloe Hogenbirk. Additionally, he is survived by Rich Fisher and Julie (Bill) Cole, and he and Pat have many grands and greats, along with many other family members and friends.

Jerry graduated from St. Vincent’s High School in 1955 (where he and Pat first met), and then the University of Akron in 1960. He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta and active in alumni events. He served as president of the alumni association and stayed in touch with many friends from the fraternity. He had a long career in real estate sales and appraisals and retired as a licensed commercial appraiser.

Jerry enjoy travelling and spent many cherished vacations and trips with family and friends. He also loved to ride his “bike” and he and Pat took several trips including a motorcycle tour in Europe. His adventurous spirit took him alone on many trips on his Valkyrie Honda, camping out at night, visiting 49 of the 50 United States, including many national parks. He visited all of the maritime provinces and much of the Yukon and Northwestern territories of Western Canada. He was very proud of the crossing the Artic Circle. 

Friends may call Monday November 11, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at The Billow Funeral Home, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 12, 2024 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 164 W Market Street Akron, OH 44303. Burial will be immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery, 100 E Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44319. 

Services in care of Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. MIller Rd. Akron, OH 44333