- Date Of Birth: August 3, 1944
- Date Of Death: October 26, 2020
- State: Illinois
John P. Donnelly, 76, of Monticello, IN, formerly of LaSalle, passed away Monday, October 26, 2020, at his home. Mr. Donnelly was born on August 3, 1944, in LaSalle to John A. and Louise (Zuccarini) Donnelly.
He married Sally Balensiefen on December 10, 1966, at St. Mary’s Church, DePue. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. John worked for Connor Company, G & O Manufacturing, Phillips Joanna, and at the Carus Mansion. He was a member of St. Valentine’s Church, Peru, and a former member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, LaSalle having helped build the parish with his father. He was also a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish in Monticello, IN, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. John truly was a MECHANICAL GENIUS. His passions in life were his music and his family. He started sharing his musical talents with the world at the age of five. He played the keyboards, accordion, and saxophone, and could even play the drums. He passed on his musical talents to grandkids and was extremely proud of their abilities. John played in many different bands including playing with his son who is a percussionist. He had a passion for entertaining that will live on through his family. He was a selfless man who would do anything to help out his friends and family. Area music fans will remember John fondly as “Dr. Johnny Z”. He will be sadly missed by all.
Survivors include his former wife, Sally of LaSalle; his three children, Richard (Karen) Donnelly of Tonica, Deana Thomas of Bloomington, and Cheryl (John) Manspeaker of West Chicago; nine grandchildren, Cody and Cassidy Donnelly, Marissa Carmichael, Zach Thomas, Caitlin Wigans and Jennifer, Eli, Thomas and Allison Manspeaker; two great-grandchildren, Conor and McKenna Donnelly and one brother, Gary (Mary Kay) Donnelly of River Grove.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
