John E. Donnelly, 88, of South Dartmouth died Saturday August 30, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Marjorie P. (Fitzgerald) Donnelly.

Born in Walpole, the son of the late Daniel A. and Katherine (Dalton) Donnelly, he lived in the Washington, D.C. area and Florida before moving to Dartmouth several years ago.

Mr. Donnelly had been the owner of Franklin Opticians in Washington, D.C.

He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He served in the U.S. Army during both World War II and the Korean War, until retiring as a Major.

John loved life and people like nobody else.

Survivors include a son, David W. Donnelly and two grandchildren, Madison S. Donnelly and Kevin P. Donnelly, all of Salt Lake City, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.He was the father of the late Hugh A. Donnelly and Patricia J. Donnelly,and brother of the late Patrick, Landy, and Hugh Donnelly.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse & Hospice Care, P.O. Box 831, Fairhaven, MA 02719.