Paul T. Donnelly passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in 1940, Paul was the son of the late Bernard and Celestine Donnelly. He attended St. Mary's Assumption School before moving with his family to the Schenectady area at age 13. He attended Central Park Junior High School and was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School.

A lifelong learner, Paul began his college studies at SUNY Maritime, where he was a member of the ROTC program, before transferring to Union College and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He later received a Master of Social Work degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at SUNY Albany and earned certificates in Employment Assistance Practice and Employment Assistance Professional Studies from Cornell University.

Paul enjoyed a distinguished career in telecommunications that spanned more than 30 years. He began with New York Telephone in 1967 and retired from Verizon in 1998. During his time with Verizon he was the Executive Vice President of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1118, for several years. He then embarked on a second career in social work, serving at St. Anne Institute in Albany, Conifer Park in Schenectady, and the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP). His work at SCAP was especially meaningful to him and was often described as his favorite job. His career as a social worker was cut short when he made the decision to care for his wife, Arlene, during her long illness.

An avid reader with a passion for politics and history, Paul never lost his thirst for knowledge. He was also a talented and enthusiastic photographer who documented life's moments through his camera lens for many years.

What he loved most was being a husband, father and grandfather. Caring for his wife during her illness and spending time with his kids and grandkids meant the world to Paul. And he enjoyed many bus trips to NY Mets games, attending his grandkids' concerts (orchestra, piano recitals), dance recitals and sporting events (baseball, hockey, lacrosse).

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Arlene, in 2014 after 53 years of marriage, and by his son, Daniel, in 2008.

He is survived by his children, John (Cammie) Donnelly, Colleen Donnelly Shepardson, and Christine (William) McGovern; Daniel's longtime partner, Michael Sullivan; his grandchildren, Delaney Marie, Cameron, Brennan, Liam, Aidan, and Keegan; his brothers, Bernard and Joseph Donnelly; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Paul will be remembered for his intelligence, compassion, curiosity, and dedication to helping others. Above all, he treasured his family. As Paul often said, "Family is everything."

Contributions can be made in his name to Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) (He holds a special place in his heart for SCAP) scapny.org/contact-us