Obituary of Michael F. Donnelly

Donnelly, Michael F.

North Chili: Monday, January 25, 2021 from a prolonged illness at the age of 65. Predeceased by his parents, Frank and Dolores and his sister, Barbara Powell. Mike is survived by his special friend, Barbara Borgesen and her children, Christopher (Christina), Erik (Shannon), Jonathan (Lynn Grady) and her grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Jacob, Lydia, and Jack; nieces Jennifer Cone (Daniel), Amy Powell (Randy Basso), and Mary Elizabeth Azam (Jacob): uncle Peter Donnelly; aunts Ann Malin, Joyce Donnelly, and Yvonne Sipple; brother-in-law, Curtis Powell, great nephews, a great niece, cousins, many friends, and his ex-wife, Dawn Donnelly.

Mike spent his childhood in West Irondequoit, where he and his father became known far and wide for their yearly elaborate 4th of July firework displays, courtesy of their visits to Canada. Mike delighted in continuing the practice after relocating to North Chili. At a young age, Mike developed a love of trains, became a life-long collector of high-quality model locomotives, and as an adult built and enjoyed a permanent very detailed working model train platform encompassing an entire room with which he delighted many visitors to his home, especially Barbara's grandchildren who always referred to him as "Grandpa Mike."

Beginning with a 1967 442 "rag top," Mike's interest in automobiles led him through the years to secure several Oldsmobiles needing ground-up restorations. He turned all of them, including a 1966 Starfire that had a tree growing up through it, into classic prize-winning beauties of which he was very proud. Mike was a successful businessman who opened and ran his well-known auto repair shop in North Chili from June 6, 1986 until his untimely death.

Mike's passion for Oldsmobiles and trains was matched with his love of The Adirondacks where he spent many boyhood summers at Holl's Inn on Fourth Lake with his parents and sister. As a young man, Mike often helped out with caretaking duties at the Inn where his good nature and considerable "handyman" skills were most welcomed.

"Dr. Oldsmobile" will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. May he rest in peace.

Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Services and interment will be held at a time when it is safe for all to gather together. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Melanoma Research Foundation at www.melanoma.org.