Christopher Donnellan, our beloved father, uncle, grandfather, friend and neighbor, passed away to his eternal rest on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. He was graced with a blessed death, surrounded by his loving family. He was a month shy of his 95th birthday, lived independently to the very end and was devout in the Catholic faith throughout his life. 

Christopher was born on December 3, 1926 in Killadysert, County Clare to his father PJ Donnellan and mother Agnes Donnellan. He was the seventh child of twelve children and had a humble upbringing. While his early years were filled with many obstacles, his faith and determination enabled him to overcome those obstacles and make his way to America, the land of opportunity, and the city he called home for much of his adult life: New York City. 

Shortly after arriving in New York City, he was drafted into the army as a crane operator during the Korean War. His journey to serve others continued after the war when he became a bus driver for the Fifth Avenue Coach Line. It was then that he met our beautiful mother Mary while at an Irish dance in Manhattan. They were married on August 11, 1962, and their journey began…

They began their life together in Inwood and raised 5 children: Ann, Patrick, Vincent, Clare and Veronica. Christopher went on to even more heroic roles by becoming a police officer for the NYPD, after which he retired and began a new adventure at Rockefeller Center as an investigator and then as a supervisor. His impeccable work ethic and devout service to others was well known and felt by all that worked with him. Christopher always gave his very best, no matter what the task or the effort required.  

Christopher was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Mary and all of his many siblings; Mary Ann, Francis, Thomas, Kathleen, Joseph, Agnes, Peter, Michael, John and Vincent, with the exception of his sister Anna Hagarty. He is survived by his loving children and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Beloved by all, he will be terribly missed. To put it simply, the world needs more men like Christopher Donnellan, whose devotion to faith and family was unquestionable throughout his truly blessed life. 

A visitation for Christopher is planned for Monday, November 15, 2021 from 4-8 pm. The visitation will be at the Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home on 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10471. All are invited to attend. The funeral will be Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 9:45 am at Saint Margaret of Cortona Church on 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10471. The burial is to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 114 Sprain Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710.