July 09, 2024

Big brother Mike, my hero, protector, example and role model, I love every moment we were together ❤️    I have so many memories swirling in my heart & head. ALWAYS a positive attitude and influence. You are so full of life brother (eternal life now)!    Mike owned multiple vehicles that were well “road tested”. One time I remembered riding in Mike’s 1960’s Corvair. The passenger side floorboard was rotted out, and I could see the asphalt surface as we rode! You had to be careful getting in, ridding, and getting out of the car.    We’d always play tricks on eachother. Shortsheet his bed, a cup of water precariously placed on Mike’s bedroom door, stones in his folded socks, and paper clippings under Mike’s bed sheet.    My favorite notorious concealment was placing a dozen cigarette loads in a pack of Mike’s Camel cigarettes.    Days went by and Mike hadn’t mentioned a word about it to me. So I asked Mike, “Did anything strange happen to you lately?” He said, “Yea, I found your cigarette loads. After the first one exploded on me, I  saved that pack and whenever someone bummed a cigarette from me, I gave ’em one outta that pack.” Smart!    Mike and Dad taught me how to play chess, Risk, and numerous board games. Eventually Mike and I became better players than Dad, so he rarely played us after that.    For a short time, we slept in the same bedroom. Mike was on the top bunk bed, and I was on the bottom.    At night we’d talk. Our conversation usually ended with laughter. Eventually our hilarity ended with continual laughing and giggling that would last 5-10 minutes! Once we started our laughing jags, it was hard to stop!    I remember Mike would go jogging around F&M College with our dog Babe. They were inseparable.    In 1980, while I was served onboard the USS John F. Kennedy, Mike and I would play chess by mail.   We would use a folded cardboard chess board, make our move, then mail it back and forth. We never finished that game.    Mike shared with me, while he was stationed onboard the USCG Cutter TANNEY under way, they were conducting small arms training and target practice with a floating target. The crew was not doing so well at hitting the target, so the Skipper said, “Get Donley up here.” So Mike reported to the bridge, took aim with his 50 cal, and proceeded to score direct hits (with 3 round bursts). With every hit the crew would cheer! Mike’s aiming skills were mainly due to his combat experience.    I believe Mike’s crew onboard the Tanney, and at Mike’s other duty stations, admired his consummate professionalism and the way he handled himself in stressful situations.    When enlisted personnel have prior experience, especially if that experience is combat, they’re cool under pressure.   Their calmness in the midst of heroing situations, is contagious for fellow enlisted shipmates. Mike was the Man!    My most precious memory was saying the sinner’s prayer with Mike, on Mom & Dad’s front porch, as Mike accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.    I LOVE YOU ETERNALLY BROTHER❤️,    PJ

July 05, 2024

   Peace and Love to Mike’s Family and Friends.  Mike is and always will be a Hero to me and my family.  He was called to duty by Uncle Sam, and he defended The Country and The World with such dignity, grace, and courage.  He gave his all in every way imaginable and in everything he did.  His endeavors and goals were accomplished with perfection and a path of righteousness, that sought no praise or compensation, and yielded a lifetime of service to humanity that forged a template of perfection.  He was so kind to us kids around the neighborhood, and we all looked up to Mike.  He always had time to say hello.  We respected him and admired him.  Mike inspired us to be good kids by example without even trying or realizing it.  He is a great man, and fond memories are forever etched in our hearts and souls that will live forever.
                                                                                                 Peace and Love, The Lafferty Family  

July 05, 2024

I was so shocked to learn of Mike’s passing, even on days where he wasn’t feeling that greatest he was always so pleasant, he told me a story one day about his sister and her husband, he said “you should see um when a football game is on, they sit on separate sides of the room cause they root for different teams” and he was laughing, he was such a sweet soul and I know he’ll forever r.i.p
Amanda

July 04, 2024

May you rest in peace. It was a honor to get to have the many talks and stories. and I thank you for that. rest easy. 
Heather

July 01, 2024

I knew Mike when growing up on Pine st.  Always a flirt, he would stop at our house for our Christmas drop in every year. My parents as well as the rest of my family enjoyed him so much….always a smile and a look on his face that made you think “what is he up to”.  I hope he finds my parents, especially my Mom, in heaven so they can play pinochle and enjoy Christmas cookies forever.
Eileen C Sickler

July 01, 2024

Michael may you rest in peace. Just an old freiend Valarie
Valarie Fohelinger

June 30, 2024

I met Mikey through Red Rose Country Dancers.  His bubbly effervescent personality was unrivaled by anyone else in our group. He was very comical and just had a way of putting a smile on your face and a laugh in your belly. Whether sharing a tiny,tiny can of beer at Low places or performing a Mock wedding for me and my future husband in a friends backyard- Mike Donely was always Mikey to us. He was unpredictable, crazy & fun, usually the life of the party. He would bring his own beach chair to our annual Super bowl party so he could ensure himself the best seat in the house!  
 
While we lost touch over the years, I was saddened to hear of his declining health and reclusiveness. I will remember his love of dance, his fondness for others and his zest for life. Be pain free and rest in peace my friend. 
Lisa Miller

June 30, 2024

Mike-You were like a brilliant shooting star 💫 in my life’s orbit. With our brief, yet remarkable, encounter, I could perceive your passion for your country, your accomplishments, your tenderness…and, yes, even your vulnerabilities. I wish I had the privilege to have known you earlier in your life…what stories I could have learned! Mostly, I want to thank you for your devotion and service to The United States of America 🇺🇸! You made a tremendous impact on so many lives! You truly touched my heart ❤️ the day we spoke. Thank you for being so generous of spirit, imparting your thoughts and feelings that day because it truly inspired me! You will be missed by all the lives you touched so preciously. Now is your time to REST in the care of Our Lord and Saviour for all the acts of kindness and good deeds you performed while being amongst us here on Earth! With my FOREVER RESPECT, ADMIRATION, and APPRECIATION, EILEEN ELAINA Xxxooo 🙏💯👏👏👏🫶🏻❤️🇺🇸🫡
EILEEN STROZ

June 30, 2024

So sorry to hear of Mike passing. A great friend growing up and though I haven’t seen him for many years he will always be in my heart! Condolences to his many siblings! Mike will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Ron Jones

June 28, 2024

I love you so much, uncle Mike! Every single memory I have with you as a child and as a woman is a blessing and a fun memory! You are with Jesus now plus grandma and grandpa are holding you in their arms. You will be missed. I’m so glad we got to see you recently.
Judie Stone (favorite niece haha)