Obituary: Lawrence A. Donnell

Lawrence A. Donnell, known by all as “Larry,” beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, 90, of Sturgeon Bay, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Golden Living Center-Dorchester.

He was born November 26, 1925 in Staten Island, NY, the son of John and Henrietta Elizabeth (Finken) Donnell. Larry attended elementary school at PS 3 and graduated from Tottenville High School in 1943. As his brothers had served with the United States Coast Guard and Marines, he also enlisted to serve his country, initially with the Merchant Marines during WWII, transporting ammunition amongst (and in defense of) the German U-boats, and then three years with the Army in the occupational forces in Japan after the bombing.

On November 4, 1950 Larry married Florence Julia Alling in the rectory of the Episcopal church in Tottenville. She was a free spirit and perfect complement to Larry, who was such a routine and regimented person. They were blessed with over 64 years of marriage together.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Larry began working for the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury Auto Plant, and then for Shell Oil for five years. He and Florence moved to Florida, and he initially worked delivering milk. Larry eventually accepted a position with Sun Gold where he worked a variety of jobs – a true jack-of-all-trades, there. He attended night school for four years at Rets Electronic School. Larry was immediately hired by Rinker Materials out of West Palm Beach and was employed there until his retirement. He helped and worked with his grandsons in the lawn care business and was known for finishing a hard day’s work with them with a Big Mac and Big Gulp and swimming in the pool.

In recent years, Larry and Florence had moved to Door County to be closer to family.

He loved sports. Larry enjoyed playing in Florida city softball leagues until 1991 and was always watching football, basketball, and baseball, often times with multiple televisions to follow all the games. He also liked fishing in Florida. Larry was a member of the American Legion of Winter Park Florida.

He was a very compassionate person. Larry’s nieces and nephews thought of him as a father. He looked up to his father-in-law as a role model. Larry grew in his faith over the years, came to know Jesus, and was saved in 1972. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and other family.

Larry will be missed by his family, especially the man he was before the cruel enemy named dementia took over. His love will live on in the hearts of his wife, Florence; three daughters and one son, Ruth (Ken) Pfiester of Sturgeon Bay, Laurie (Frank) Henry of Orlando, FL, William (Cathy) of Eden, NC, Amanda (Marie Fox) Donnell of Orlando, FL; eight grandchildren, John (Jodi), Stephanie (Evan), and Christine, Michelle (Destin), Bryan (Alexis), James “Coby” (April), and Benjamin, and Phoenix; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jonah, Micah, Steven, Joshua, and Noah, Zoey and Destiny, Jackson, Aaron, and Arianna, Coralily, Eleanor, and Brendon; niece, Deanna Murello of Chandler, AZ; and all others who knew him.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John (Muriel) Donnell, Thomas (Agnes) Donnell; and sister, Katherine (Pat) Doherty.

A memorial service was held Monday, August 8, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Military honors by the United States Army and VFW Post 3088 followed at the funeral home.

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.