Joseph R. “Joe” Donnelly, Jr., age 81, of North East, Maryland, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Christiana Care Union Hospital in Elkton, Maryland.

Born on April 13, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe was the son of the late Joseph R. Donnelly, Sr., and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Trainor.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years, carrying with him a lifelong sense of honor, dedication, and service to others. His commitment to serving his community continued through his many years with the Volunteer Fire Department in Colwyn, Pennsylvania. Throughout his fire service career, Joe held most positions, including engineer, captain, and assistant chief, and most importantly, Chief. His years of service reflected his willingness to help others and the pride he took in being part of the firefighting brotherhood.

Joe was also an Ironworker out of Local 401 in Philadelphia. He was a hardworking man who understood the value of dedication and a job well done.

A member of VFW Post 6027 in North East, Maryland, Joe enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of his fellow veterans. In his leisure time, he especially enjoyed fishing, turkey shoots, and traveling.

Above all, Joe will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His life was one of service, hard work, and the many meaningful connections he made along the way. The memories he leaves behind will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Joe is lovingly survived by his sons, Bryan J. Donnelly and his wife, Crystal, of Spring City, Pennsylvania, and Joseph R. Donnelly III and his wife, Suzanne, of West Chester, Pennsylvania; his sister, Greer McCausland, of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania; his beloved grandchildren, James Donnelly and his wife, Jacey, Rachel Donnelly, Lauren Massucci and her husband, Michael, and Kelly Donnelly; and his cherished great-grandsons, Lucas and Anthony.

In addition to his father, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Lee Donnelly, who passed away on October 28, 2023.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation honoring the lives and cherished memories of both Joe and his beloved late wife, Debbie Donnelly, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Crouch Funeral H.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, Maryland. This special gathering will provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together in remembrance and celebration of the lives and love they shared.

Internment with be private and held at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, where Joe and Deborah will be laid to rest together.

Joe's legacy of service, dedication, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful.