Robert Donnelly, “Bob” to all who knew him, has gone home to be with his heavenly father and to be reunited with his two sons, Caleb and Gideon, who preceded him.

Born May 9, 1951, to the late Viola (Zegal) and John Donnelly on Long Island, New York, his early years were spent fishing for horseshoe crabs and admiring the dance of sunlight across the water. At home, he and his sisters grew up among horses, ponies, dogs, and sheep, instilling in him a lifelong love of nature and animals.

He joined a construction crew while still a teenager before becoming an independent contractor with almost 50 years in the trade. He was known by all to be honest, hardworking, and a craftsman in his field.

In 1973, Bob met Susan Spratta, who would soon become the love of his life. They both had a miraculous encounter with Jesus Christ in 1976, which changed their lives forever, and they married the following year. This coming May would have marked 53 years that they were together. His life now devoted to Jesus, this former atheist entered into ministry, and he traveled the country speaking in many churches and pastored his own for a time. He did this while maintaining his home, remodeling business, and juggling his responsibilities as a father to, what would eventually become twelve children.

One year, while traveling across states, they drove through the little community of Patrick County, Virginia, and noticed how beautiful and peaceful it was there, much different to the hustle and bustle that Long Island was quickly becoming. Tragedy struck as a serious illness prevented Bob from working for a whole year, and the bank foreclosed on their suburban home. Not knowing what to do or where to go, they remembered the picturesque little town in southwest Virginia, and the decision was made. So, in 1998, they loaded up their children, belongings, and what little money they had left, made the trip to the little town of Woolwine in Patrick County, and purchased eleven acres along Jack's Creek. With no running water and sleeping in tents until a dwelling could be built, I remember this as a very difficult time, but we pulled together as a family and persevered.

Surrounded by trees, streams, wildlife, and clean mountain air, Bob and Sue felt that they were finally home, but what they loved more than any of this was the people. The people of Patrick County hold a special place in their hearts. So warm, welcoming, and kind. Bob loved nothing more than to be a part of the community, meet new people, hear their stories, and share his own, always ready to tell them about the love of Jesus, which had changed his life and set him free from a life of drugs, alcohol, and despair. Upon his salvation in 1976, God told him, “Now go and tell others that what I've done for you I can do for them also.” and he was faithful in this till his last breath.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (pop-pop), brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed, but his testimony and memory live on in all of us whose lives he so dearly touched. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, their children, and grandchildren (and puppy dog Maximus). We love you, Dad, and we know that this is not goodbye but only see you later.

A memorial service will be held at TheBridge Foursquare Church (880 Life Dr, Christiansburg, VA 24073) on May 28th at 3 pm. If you would like to attend, we ask that you dress casually in light colors (his favorite was yellow); please no black.

More information can be found on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/events and search for Robert J. Donnelly, or at www.moodyfuneralservices.com

If you would like to help the family with funeral expenses, you can do so through our church website at:houseofmercy.love/give-online and leave a brief note that this is what your donation is for.