Gary R. Donley
August 25, 1946 ~ May 20, 2024
Gary R. Donley, age 77, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024 at David Simpson Hospice House after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born August 25, 1946 in Cleveland to Raymond R. Donley and Katherine (Cooke) Donley.
Gary attended Willoughby South High School, Lakeland Community College and Kent State. He worked for EF Donley and Sons as a laborer, mechanic and crane operator. He and his wife owned a small pizza and rib restaurant, proudly placing 3rd in the Cleveland Rib Burn off and in the top 10 at the National Rib Burn Off. His proudest accomplishment was his family and spending time with them.
He is survived by his wife, Ann (Schulz) Donley; children, Grace (William) Dull, Robin (Daniel) Kerestesy, Sharon E. Bell, Raymond R. Donley II; brother, Richard Donley; grandchildren, Augusto C. Rivera III, Paloma Rivera, Shaena Kerestesy, Jasmine Bell, Isaac Bell, Zachary Dull, Samuel Dull, Katherine Dull, Rylie Ward; great grandchild, Theodore Rivera and numerous extended family members.
Friends will be received 2-4 pm Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison with a Memorial Service immediately following at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Gary to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Ann,
I am so, so sorry. I know we have not seen each other in quite some time but please reach out if I can do anything for you.
Sorry to hear about Gary. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We live in TN. God bless.
My heartfelt condolences to the Donley family, especially to Gary’s cherished wife, Ann. May the memories ease the pain.
Oh Ann. How terribly said. I remember Gary from school. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am sending prayers of comfort to all who loved Gary.
I remember Gary from High School. He always had a big smile on his face and such a great sense of humor. I am so sorry for your great loss. May God carry you through these difficult days and may His Grace and Love be showered down on all of you.
Doug enjoyed meeting him at the Y and spending time swimming with him. Doug and Gary talked “big machines”. often. I continued to swim with Gary and Ann for quite a while. Gary was fun to be around and such a kind soul.
Ann and family, I am so sorry to see this. I wanted to reconnect with you guys after you moved but today with cell phones and no phone books I could not find you. You were great neighbors and I missed seeing you. Rest in peace Gary.