Gerald T. Donnellan (Jerry), 86, of Wenham, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14th. Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late Anne (Pierscieniewicz) and Timothy Donnellan; the devoted father of Kym, Vicki, Kevin, and David; and the loving husband of Gay Roland.
Jerry grew up in Somerville, where he attended Matignon High School. He was an avid basketball player there, and one of his favorite memories to share was skipping his senior prom to go to the gym and play basketball with his teammates instead! After high school, he attended Northeastern University, prior to becoming a Civil Engineer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He spent many years as a state engineer, building roads and bridges, including Route 95, the Beverly-Salem Bridge, and the Gloucester Bridge. He also proudly served for many years on both the Manchester and the Wenham Boards of Health.
During these years, Jerry enjoyed time with his four children, including epic road trips to Disney World and Hershey Park, where he always made sure to teach them a little about American history, to go along with all of the fun! He married Gay in 1985, and subsequently enjoyed a peaceful life with her and their numerous Great Danes, during which they went on cruises, met Jay Leno, and loved the North Shore Music Theater. After his retirement, Jerry’s favorite pastime and hobby was spending time with his grandchildren, not only babysitting them whenever needed, but also introducing them to the magical world of Ogunquit, where immediate and extended family and friends spent yearly vacations with him enjoying the Beachmere Inn, the beautiful ocean, Perkins Cove, and countless puzzles.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Gay Roland; his two daughters, Kym, and Vicki and her partner Jeff; and his two sons, Kevin and his partner Lisa, and David and his wife Jennifer; as well as twelve grandchildren: Mariah, Micayla and her husband Patrick, Timothy, Noah, Jack, Hannah, Owen, Madeline, Amelia, Isabelle, Charlotte, and Audrey; a great grandchild, Callie Rose; and two nieces, Amy and Katie, and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Brian, and his sister-in-law, Peggy.
Graveside services for Jerry will be private. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly. Infor-mation, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.