Dennis G. Donnelly

Dennis G. Donnelly died Saturday morning, October 31, 2015, at his home in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 70 years old. Dennis was born on a Monday, May 21, 1945, in Orange, Orange County, California to his parents, the late Lowell Emmett Donnelly and Dorothy Grace (Vance) Donnelly. As a young boy, Dennis moved to Arizona with his family, where he has since resided. He was a member of the 1963 Graduating Class from Sal Pointe High School in Tucson. Dennis decided early in life that the freedoms we, as a nation, enjoy come with a heavy price. He was willing to make that ultimate sacrifice and enlisted in the United States Army during the height of the Vietnam War. Sgt. Donnelly was well loved and respected by everyone with whom he served. He saw, first hand, the ravages of a brutal war and upon his return home to Arizona following his honorable discharge, he had received many medals and ribbons for his excellent service, including: 2 Bronze Stars, 1 Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Service Medal and many others. It has been said of him that, "Dennis was the most highly decorated Vietnam Veteran living within the State of Arizona." Dennis married his high school Sweetheart, Judith Ann "Judy" Huser 12 years after their graduation. The couple married on September 21, 1975 in Tucson and, most recently, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary together. At the age of 50, Dennis received his AA degree from Northland Pioneer College in Show Low. He, throughout his long marriage was a sweet and attentive husband to his wife and provided well for her and protected her from the evils of this world. Dennis was also a supportive and loving father to his children and their spouses and, he will forever be remembered as a wonderful "Papa" to his 6 grandchildren. When he wasn't busy with work, he loved all things aviation. In younger years, Dennis always enjoyed taking a plane ride with his father and uncle. He participated in EVERY aspect of aviation and was an expert, when it came to planes. Many believed, that though he didn't possess an aviation license, he could have flown just about anything...Dennis was a member of the Bald Eagle Squadron and enjoyed participating with their events. When hunting season came around, he could frequently be found in the wilderness ready to take down the season game. He was an avid hunter and his home is adorned with the mounts of many of his successful kills that he made over the years. He loved living in the beauty of the White Mountains and always appreciated that his "playground" was the forests of the area. This incredibly dynamic man will truly be missed by everyone, but none will miss him more than those he called "family." He is survived by his wife, Judy Donnelly of Show Low, Arizona; 2 children: Robert Patrick (Jennifer) Donnelly of Phoenix, Arizona, Heather Erin (Thomas) Hanks of Lakeside, Arizona; Mother, Dorothy Grace Donnelly of Benson, Arizona; 3 siblings: Robert Donnelly of Benson, Arizona, Patrice Berry of Seattle, Washington and Patrick Donnelly of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Aaron Hanks, Lynzee Hanks, Joseph Donnelly, Skylar Donnelly, Jossua Donnelly and Taylor Donnelly. Along with his father, Lowell Emmett Donnelly, Dennis was preceded in death by a baby sister, Erin Donnelly. The memorial service, with military honors, will begin 4:00 P.M., November 6, 2015 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, where Kevin Weaver, Chaplain for the Show Low Police Department, will officiate. In honor of Dennis' memory, memorial contributions, benefiting Vietnam Veterans have been suggested by his family. Please visit: www.vva.org for contribution details. His family will appreciate your generous donation to this worthy cause.