Hugh Patrick (Pat) Donnelly, former supervisor of UD electric shop, dies

3:22 p.m., Aug. 25, 2015--Hugh Patrick (Pat) Donnelly, former supervisor of the electric shop in Facilities at the University of Delaware, died Aug. 13. He was 86. 

Mr. Donnelly worked in the UD electric shop from 1962 until his retirement in 1988, serving as supervisor of the shop for the last 19 years. 

His daughter, Patricia, recalled, "Working at UD was his 'dream job.' Not one day passed without our hearing at least one story of his time there." She said he made numerous and cherished friends at UD and "anyone from the cleaning staff to the president either knew him or knew of him."

Born in 1929 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he immigrated to the United States in the mid-1950s, originally residing in Flatbush in New York. Shortly after arriving, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for five years as part of the Strategic Air Command. During his time in the Air Force, he traveled the world spending time in many countries, including England, Greenland, Morocco, the Republic of the Congo and Mexico, among others. 

In 1961, he married Elizabeth ("Betty") Wright, who survives him. They knew each other from childhood and together raised two daughters, Patricia of Toledo, Ohio, and Elizabeth, of Brooklyn, New York. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Andrew Campbell of Toledo, Ohio; his granddog, Oscar; and his parakeet, Lemonhead.

A celebration of his life was held Aug. 19 at Holy Family Church in Newark, Delaware. For those wishing to honor his memory, the family suggests contributions to homeless shelters or services for the needy. 

Condolences may be left online.