passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at the age of 90.
Paul was born June 1st, 1928 in Princeton, Illinois to Harold and Esther Donnelly. He received a degree in music from the Chicago Conservatory of Music, a Master degree in Hospital Administration from Northwestern University and a Doctorate degree in Health and Business Administration from St. Louis University. Dr. Donnelly served his country (Army) during the Korean war (1951-1952). He joined the Catholic Hospital Association (St. Louis) in 1958 where he became Director of the CHA Hospital Administration Department while concurrently serving as Chairman of the St. Louis University graduate program in Health Administration. Later Paul was elected Chairman of The Board for the Association of University Program in Hospital Administration and served on the board of trustees of Catholic Health Care West (San Francisco). He co-authored the book, Medical Care Quality and the Public Trust as well as numerous articles for health care journals.
Paul left CHA in 1979 to run his own organizational and hospital consulting firm until his retirement in 1991, though he continued to teach (part-time) at Webster University’s Health Administration Department for several years after retirement.
Paul loved his family, his friends and music. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Libby) Donnelly; daughters Jeanne (Donnelly) Freeman and her husband Matthew Freeman, Anita Donnelly and her fiancé Frank Niven; sons Patrick Donnelly and his wife Treva Donnelly, Brian Donnelly and his wife Beth Donnelly. Paul leaves behind 12 grandchildren; Erin, Meghan K., Shannon, Meghan F., Patrick R, Lauren, Brendan, Teresa, Erin, Josh, Alyssa and Kaitlyn. Also 13 great-grandchildren; Andrew, Malachi, Grace, Gabriella, Gwendolynn, Abigail, Chloe, Taylor, Cecelia, Kyla, Isis, Addison and Alayna.
Services: Memorial visitation will be celebrated in the Multipurpose Room at Laclede Groves Monday, August 6, 4-8 p.m. Memorial service to be held at Laclede Groves Chapel on Tuesday, August 7, 12 noon. Interment JB National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital appreciated.
A KUTIS AFFTON SERVICE.