Robert James Donnelly

Robert James Donnelly, 85, of Palm Harbor, Florida, formerly of Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025.
Born on January 31, 1940, in Portland, Maine, Robert was the beloved son of William Henry and Margaret (Malia) Donnelly. He was one of eight children and the only boy in a lively, close-knit Irish Catholic family. He was an active participant in school life at Cathedral Grammar School and served as an altar boy and was in Monsignor Boltz’ famous choir. After graduating from Portland High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Hawaii, continuing a life marked by service, faith, and dedication.
Robert met his wife, Sandra “Sandie” Donnelly, later in life, and they married in 1988. Together they shared many years of love, laughter, and faith. Robert opened Donnelly Cleaning Service and was proud to have cleaned the Bishop’s House as well as the rectory for The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.
After retirement Robert moved to Florida, but he never slowed down. He worked at LA Fitness well into his later years and never officially retired. He found purpose in hard work and was always striving to make those around him laugh with his sharp wit and signature Irish sense of humor.
Robert was a devoted brother to his sisters and a caring stepfather to Sandie’s six children. One of his most cherished memories was a 1986 trip to Ireland with his mother and all seven of his sisters. Robert lived a life of humility, humor, and heart.
Robert was predeceased by his wife Sandie, his parents William and Margaret Donnelly, and his step daughter, Anne Libby. He is survived by his seven sisters; Ann Cobb (John), Kathleen Record (Richard), Jane Rogan (James), Lorraine Rava (Jean Philip), Francine Bowden (William), Margaret Johnson (Chester) and Dianne Doyle (John); his step children; David Thoits, Pam Moreau, Shawn Thoits, Paul Thoits and Ryan Thoits. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who will remember him fondly as “Uncle Bobby” and countless friends who will remember his jokes, his faith, and his unwavering devotion to family.
Visiting hours will be held from 8:00am to 9:30am on Monday, August 11th at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, 172 State Street. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home at 9:30am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery 1461 Broadway, South Portland.

To view the livestream of Robert’s Mass, please visit www.facebook.com/ConroyTullyWalker. The livestream will begin at 9:50am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robert’s name to Preble Street or The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine.