IN MEMORIAM: James R. Donnelly, 79;

Dairy Farmer, Former Exeter Assessor

SCHUYLER LAKE – James Reeves Donnelly Sr., 79, a retired dairy farmer and former Town of Exeter assessor, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, Feb. 6, 2016, at Bassett Hospital.

He was born on July 19, 1936, in Cooperstown, son of the late William R. and Mary Kraham Donnelly.

A lifelong Schuyler Lake resident, he was educated in Schuyler Lake and was a graduate of Richfield Springs High School.

On Nov. 3, 1963, he married the former Sharon A. Bucek in Saint Joseph’s Church, Richfield Springs.

He owned and operated the Donnelly Dairy Farm in Schuyler Lake until his retirement in 2009.  He served for a time as Exeter town assessor, and was also president of the Farmers Coop.

He was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Richfield Springs.

Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years Sharon, two sons, Robert A. Donnelly and James R. Donnelly Jr., both of Richfield Springs, his daughter, Laura A. Sheldon and her husband Thomas of Raleigh, N.C., a brother William Donnelly of Schuyler Lake, four grandchildren, Leah C. Donnelly, Sydney A. Sheldon, Cody Donnelly and Shayla Donnelly, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah A. Donnelly, one brother, Edwin T. Donnelly and a sister, Ann Marie Wilson.

A funeral mass is planned at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph’s, with the Rev. Silvaster Sarihaddula, pastor, officiating. Interment will take place later this spring in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery.  There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church service.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.