Michael J. Donnelly

Michael Joseph Donnelly, also known as Mad Dog Mike, age 67, residing out of Manville New Jersey passed away suddenly at home on Monday, August 21st, 2023 with his pets by his side. 

Michael was not only full of life, he was full of soul. He was a kid at heart, eager to get on the level of his grandkids and play ball with them, tell them stories, or sing and dance with them. Michael had a strong spirit despite his hardships in life. He was compassionate, welcoming and selfless towards many, especially those he loved. He knew how to have a good time and make others laugh. He was a hard worker through and through, retired from Local 455 Carpenter’s Union where he worked alongside longtime friends and brothers-in-law, Vinny and Tommy. Michael was a nature lover and he had a strong moral compass. Michael had so much left to live for and he had big plans for his future with his family. 

Michael Joseph Donnelly was born on January 30th 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey. Throughout Mike’s young life he overcame adversity and endured many hardships, yet he was an amazing brother and friend through it all and he grew into an even more wonderful and caring father, grandfather, partner, uncle, mentor and overall kind soul. Michael spent childhood years residing in and exploring the neighborhoods of Raritan, Bradley Gardens, and Martinsville before finding permanent residence in Manville in 1984. Michael had 3 children with Catherine (Kosinski) Donnelly that he doted on and loved dearly. Michael loved fishing, crabbing, bowling, listening to artists such as Chris Cornell, Ozzy Ozbourne, Eddie Vedder, and Chester Bennington to name a few, he enjoyed using his hands and utilizing his carpentry skills, he loved the movies, watching sports in his later years, he liked to cook, dance in a theatrical manner, playing the lottery, spending time with loved ones, he found solace in helping others, he lent a good listening ear and unwavering support for those he cared for, and he loved to make others laugh. He especially loved the Baltimore Orioles, and the NY Giants. He was strong mentally and physically, he had depth and meaning to everything he did, and he remained positive and generous until the end. He taught us a lot about life and death, love and pain, and enduring and remaining true to yourself. Michael had a strong faith and yearned to be reunited with his beautiful daughter, Carolyn Marie Donnelly. 

Michael is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Carolyn Marie Donnelly, may she be in his arms at last: he is also predeceased by his sister, Maryellen Donnelly, who died at a young age; by his birth parents, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Theresa (Bobcia) and Edward Kosinski who were truly like parents to him; his most fond foster parents Mr. & Mrs. Vanduela; his adored nephews Corey Nagle and Joey Arena and niece Veronica Lexi Hector as well as angel, Dominick Noll; some close friends considered family, Tom Irwin; and his pets Max and Taffy. Michael had many angels by his side, may they all greet him and show him the way. 

Michael is survived by his son, Edward Donnelly, who carries with him some of Mike’s best qualities and many memories to cherish, he held a very special place in Michael’s heart; and by his daughter Maryellen (Donnelly) Meister who shared many beliefs and special moments with dad. He also leaves behind his girlfriend of many years, Lisa Burgher; his brother, James Donnelly, brother and sister-in-law Joey and Debbie Gonzalez, Edward’s girlfriend Dana Noll and his amazing grandson Gabriel Donnelly who he was very proud of and adored; his son-in-law Scott Meister and grandchildren Benjamin, Emilia and Jonathan Meister who he cherished and held close to his heart; his godchild Theresa McGinnis who he cared for and was proud of; all of his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws and all of his wonderful nieces and nephews that he truly took the time to make a connection with; his dogs Maya and Duchess and his cats Molli and Izzi. He loved and cared for every single person wholeheartedly. May he be remembered for the amazing man that he was. He will be missed by many, until we meet again one day. We love you. 

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 12-2PM at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Funeral services will be held at 1:30PM at the funeral home.

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