John Dahill Donnelly, Jr. of West Roxbury, formerly of Wellesley Hills, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, with family by his side. Predeceased by his parents, Valerie (Farrell) and John Dahill Donnelly, Sr., and his brother, Jimmy E. Donnelly. John leaves behind his sister, Brenda (Donnelly) Pilz; nieces: Alisa (Jerry) Willette, Valerie (Peter) Sheridan, Wendy (Jim) Allen; and nephew Kevin (Rita Nunez) Pilz; as well as 9 grandnieces and nephews and 6 great-grandnieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dear friends Kathy Delaney, Susan Sullivan, and Mark & Priscilla Ford and Ciara.
John received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Curry College in Milton, MA, and went on to study at Assumption University in Worcester, MA, where he received a Master’s degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychology and Counseling.
John spent his lifetime caring for and about others, including many decades working at Boston’s Children’s Hospital in both Inpatient Psychiatric Care and later in Day Surgery Registration, from which he retired. John took great pride in making sure the children and their parents felt welcomed and supported during their visits.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., Wellesley, on Wednesday, September 30th from 9:30–10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley Hills at 11:00 am. After Mass, relatives and friends are kindly invited to join us for John’s interment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Needham, where he will be laid to rest with his parents and younger brother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John D. Donnelly, Jr. to the Animal Rescue League of Boston: www.arlboston.org.