Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. J. Patrick Donnelly, SJ, who died on June 13, 2025 at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 90 years old. May he rest in peace.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents John P. and Margaret (nee O’Neil) Donnelly and his brother, Michael Donnelly. He is survived by his sister Moira Gault, sister-in-law Madeleine Donnelly, and his nieces and nephews
Pat was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 23, 1934. Before entering the Society, he graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (1952). Click here to read a memoir of Pat’s early childhood. He entered the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1952 at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri, and became a member of the Wisconsin Province when it was formed in 1955. He was ordained on June 8, 1965 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee and pronounced final vows on April 25, 1976 at Marquette University.
While in the Society, Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin and Greek and philosophy (1958), a master’s degree in history (1963), and licentiate degrees in philosophy (1959) and sacred theology (1967) from Saint Louis University. In 1972, he earned his doctorate in history from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
During regency, Pat taught English and history at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska (1959-1961) and history at his alma mater, Campion Jesuit High School (1961-1962). After completing his doctorate, Pat was missioned to Marquette University where he taught history for 43 years. His specialization was the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Jesuits. In 2014, Pat was missioned to St. Camillus to pray for the Church and the Society.
Pat became a recognized scholar in his field, with extensive publications, as well as a highly respected teacher and academician at Marquette University. While at Marquette, he wrote several books and many scholarly articles. Pat was a passionate golfer and even wrote an article in 1992 about golf entitled: “Golf as a Spiritual Exercise”. In 1988, Pat received the Marquette University Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. Click here to read essays written in honor of Pat.
Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ, has these memories of Pat:
In his active years, Pat was a hard worker and a prodigious writer; he was also a light sleeper who never got enough rest. He gave himself wholeheartedly to his teaching, scholarship, and writing. He loved reading books and stayed abreast of current events. He also enjoyed reading the sports page. He relaxed by playing golf and was so passionate about it that he wrote an article, “Golf as a Spiritual Exercise.” He shopped at thrift stores and bought clothes that he made available to the Jesuit community at Marquette.
Pat was a beloved member of the St. Camillus community. When his health was good, he rode city buses to browse the books at Milwaukee County Library and to visit his nephew, Sean, who lived on the east side of the city (Pat himself was a proud east-sider). His personality remained strong after his health declined. The certified nursing assistants said he was generous, loving, caring, and kind, He always had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. A CNA described him as “the sweetest, kindest man who would steal your heart in a minute.” He made everybody smile. He was always ready to share food; after lunch he was “ready for my beer.” He loved cookies, too. Most of all, he loved being a Jesuit and a priest.
