A Tribute to the Captain

Richard Patrick Donnelly (aka... Captain Pat, Paddy, Dad, Daddy, Papa, The Duck, Patooch, Lion Pat, Fearless Leader) was summoned to Heaven from his home by our Lord Jesus on June 22, 2021 at 6:18 PM. He was surrounded by prayer and his family as he "sailed" into the "ports" of Heaven. Pat is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Deborah Donnelly (Debbie); son, Daniel Donnelly (Danny); daughter-in-law, Rachel Donnelly; his three grandchildren, Ella Gianna, Miles Patrick, Madeline Joy; son-in-law to be, Larry Padilla; identical twin sisters, Susan Donnelly Bedard (Susie), Sara Donnelly Victora; along with their spouses, Moe Bedard, Larry Victora; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pat Donnelly began life as part of a duo. He was an identical twin. Pat was born February 9, 1943 in Long Beach, California to William (Bill) E. and Isabel Becker Donnelly. Pat was an "Eagle Scout" and "Sea Scout" with a ranking of Quartermaster in his teen years. His passion for sailing was a constant throughout his life which grew into a passion for his entire family. During the 1960s, Pat and his twin brother, Robert Michael Donnelly (Mike), were part of a large folk music group called "The Troubadour Singers" as well as a trio called, "Bob & The Leveemen". The trio was very popular and had quite the "following" during the coffee house days of the 1960s. It was during one of those concerts at the "Mon Ami Coffee House" in Tustin that Pat's beautiful wife Sandy came in while on a date to see the trio play. Pat took one look at her and turned to his twin brother while on stage and said to him, "I'm going to marry that girl". This unbelievable verbal exchange was in fact verified by Pat's twin brother many years ago. Just six weeks after they met, Pat and Sandy were engaged and six months later, they were married. Since that time they have lived an incredible 57 year adventure together.

In 1966 after being inspired at a marriage retreat, Pat and Sandy started a folk music group called "Joy Inc." at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Buena Park. This group provided young adults a safe place to fellowship, worship, and learn about Jesus. Pat had a unique quality that always made everyone feel loved and accepted. "Joy Inc." led worship at 6:30 PM Mass with Pat at the "helm" for well over 50 years. The impact and legacy he has left to the decades of individuals who have been a part of "Joy" has had a profound and life-changing ripple effect for so many that it cannot be calculated in numbers or described in words. His legacy lives on through the extended family that "Joy Inc." is and has always been.

Pat's professional career was also one of adventure. Besides being a folk singer, he was a glazier in his early years. After getting married, he saw an ad for an industrial engineer. He checked out 3 library books on the subject, read them all in record time, interviewed, and got the position. Pat could read 1800 words per minute (Yes... eighteen hundred per minute. That was not a typo). Once hired, he worked at McDonald Douglas for 17 years in aerospace and then moved to Northrop Grumman, where he built beautiful computer rooms in record time when they told him it was impossible. After two decades at Northrop, he went to work as the "West Coast Regional Director" for "Exodus Communications". He retired at 62. Then due to popular demand, he put his vast knowledge to work as an independent consultant and began traveling across the country building computer room facilities. However, he always made sure to be back home for church on Sunday night... no matter what!

Pat's involvement with the "City of Buena Park" and "Silverado Days" began in 1972 when "Joy Inc." was awarded the first of two "Disneyland Community Service Awards". This led to the start of a relationship with the "Buena Park Noon Lion's Club". Since 1972, Pat and "Joy Inc." have organized, hired, and run the "Entertainment" at "Silverado Days". In 1977, Pat was awarded the prestigious "Americana Award" for "Outstanding Service to the 'City of Buena Park'". After many years of prompting, Pat officially joined the "Lion's Club" in 1994. Due to his leadership, numerous gifts, and people skills, Pat found himself at the "helm" as "Chairman of Silverado Days". He held this position for many years continuing his commitment to the "Lion's Club of Buena Park" and "Silverado Days" to the end. Pat was a leader from a very early age. With every project under his direction, it was an "all hands on deck" effort that was fun and a privilege to be a part of...whether it was sailing, shooting a professional firework show, preparing for a church service, building a computer room, or setting up a band at "Silverado Days". He lived unafraid, valued each and every individual, never did anything halfway, and always got the "job" done!

Pat was an adventurer! He sailed the ocean yearly and his favorite place to be was on a sailboat moored at the "Isthmus" on "Catalina Island" with his family and friends. He scaled mountains, sailed yachts, flew airplanes, and always shared all he had with others and welcomed everyone. His example of living the scripture... "Be Not Afraid" and always putting his faith in Jesus continues to live on through his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched. He knew without a doubt where he was going after leaving this world. He was selfless, appreciative, hilarious, encouraging, fun, and everyone who met him... loved him. He was a profound blessing to every soul who knew him. He had a magnetic personality with an unmatched strength of character and moral compass that always pointed to Jesus!

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

______________________________

 Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit  www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com  .
 
 AmericanObituary.com  is a Baywalk Marketing service.
 
 facebook.com/AmericanObituary  -  twitter.com/AmericaObituary