Henry R. Donnelly
Date of Passing:
Henry R. “Bob” Donnelly, 92, formerly of Pine Top Road, Barrington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy A. (Ward) Donnelly, with whom he shared a devoted and loving marriage.
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Henry and Emma (Singele) Donnelly. He spent over 30 years as a resident of Barrington before settling permanently in Harwich Port, Massachusetts, a cherished place where he had joyfully summered for more than 50 years.
Mr. Donnelly served his country honorably as a United States Navy Veteran during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he built a respected career as an officer in the banking industry, known for his integrity, leadership, and dedication.
Bob received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Bryant University as well as his Master’s in Business Administration and in 1993 he received his Law Degree from Suffolk University Law School.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Susan Donnelly Murphy, and her husband Robert of Brewster, Massachusetts. Bob was a grandfather to three grandchildren: Robinson Murphy, Anna Jane Beckmann and her husband Eric, and Katharine Murphy and her husband Ryan, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He was the great grandfather to Jack, PJ, James and Mary Kate. Bob was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Joseph Charles, Dorothy, Jack and Sheila.
Bob’s warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside, at 8 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Contributions in Henry’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite #306, Providence, RI, 02906 would be deeply appreciated.
I hold dear to me so many wonderful memories of your Dad of when you all came down to visit us in Florida when we were kids. His loving, joyful, friendly presence always lit up the room.I remember how fond my Dad was of your Dad, and how well they got along. We all were so happy to see him and the family each time you came, and to get be around him was always so much fun. He loved his family so very much, and he showed it, he was so sweet and gentle to your Mom and protective and loving to you.. I agree with everything my brother said about him, he was a very special and great man. We can all be thankful to God that He is at Home now, his real home, his eternal life has begun. He is now with Jesus our Lord and all our beloved family, and celebrating what God has done for him, and for all of us who believe; Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, rose again and seated at the right hand of God the Father, No more tears, no more sadness, but rather celebration, gladness and joy for always. Knowing that gives us peace and hope. We all look forward to getting to see Jesus and Uncle Henry and all our loved ones again, and that gives us joy in our hearts to have that to look forward to, and we trust the Lord with that promise. God bless you all. And I thank the Lord that I got to know Uncle Henry and all his beautiful family.
To Susan and Family. Please know you have our deepest sympathies and condolences from the Thomson family. Bob has always been a wonderful gentlemen and one who always set the bar for caring, kindness, love, integrity, respect, and just being an all around great person. He was an example for all of us to follow. I am confident that many families in Heaven, including the Donnellys, Murphy’s, Wards, Thomsons, etc., and many more are having a roaring celebration in Heaven welcoming Bob to his new home with God.
Love you and God Bless you all!
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was so good to my dad when they were roommates in rehab and I loved him so much. He was such a good man and I enjoyed seeing him every single day. My heart is really hurting for you and your husband and your family. I’m so happy that I was able to meet you guys especially your dad. He brought so much joy to my sad as well as immense joy and happiness to me. I will miss him terribly, but I’m sure he’s happy up in heaven with your mom and all his friends because I’m sure he had 1 million of them. He was the best guy ever! Lots of love to you you are an amazing daughter. I loved your relationship with your dad take care and if you need anything at all, please let me know lots of love.