Obituary of Richard Donnelly

Donnelly, Richard "Rick" Gerard Rick passed away October 3, 2006 at the age of 45 in his home in Tulsa, OK following a courageous battle with cancer. Devoted husband, he was married 22 years to Sharon "Shari" Everitt Donnelly. Rick was the adoring father of Nathan Ryan, Blake Mackenzie, and Morgan Nicole Donnelly. His family meant everything to him. Rick was born June 5, 1961 in Cincinnati, OH to James W and Marjorie Morford Donnelly. He is also survived by his brothers: Jim Donnelly of Cincinnati, Dan Donnelly of Atlanta, Tom Donnelly of Cincinnati, and his sister Kathie Wietmarschen of Cincinnati. Rick attended Archbishop Moeller High School and was a proud graduate of Xavier University, both in Cincinnati. Following graduation from Xavier, Rick began his business career in Columbus, IN with Cosco (now part of Dorel Industries) in juvenile sales. In 2000, Rick was offered an opportunity to work with Dorel Industries as VP of Sales, primarily working with Wal*Mart at its Bentonville, AR headquarters. Rick was devoted to his family and his faith. Rick was an active member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus, IN and St. Mary's in Tulsa, OK. He was formerly a member of Harrison Lake Country Club and teamed with Dr. Tom Harmon of Columbus, OH to win the Member-Guest Invitational, certainly the highlight of his golfing career. He will always be remembered for his upbeat outlook and cheerful demeanor in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles placed in his path. The way he lived his life to the fullest and faced his illness with strength and grace was a shining example for all who were blessed to know him. There will be a visitation for family and friends at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home, 3855 25th Street, Columbus, IN on Tuesday, October 10th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm immediately followed by a rosary service. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 10:00 am presided by Father David Toups at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th Street, Columbus, IN. Interment will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery, 501 N Gladstone Avenue, Columbus, IN. There will also be a memorial service held in Tulsa, OK at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Arrangements are still pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Indiana University Cancer Hospital, whose staff gave Rick the highest level of compassionate care throughout his battle. Please make memorial gifts payable to: IU Foundation/IU Hospital Construction--Chapel. Please mail to IU Cancer Center c/o IU Foundation, P.O. Box 663802, Indianapolis, IN 46266-3802 and indicate "In memory of Richard G. Donnelly."