Obituary of Michael Donlon

Michael Edward Donlon December 6, 1926 - July 27, 2016 Michael Edward Donlon, 89, went peacefully to his eternal rest on Wednesday surrounded by family, July 27, 2016 at his home in Basking Ridge New Jersey. Michael was born in Saugerties, New York, the son of Paul A. Donlon of Saugerties, NY and Marion Donlon, of Riverdale, NY. Michael was one of ten children. Michael is predeceased by his beloved wife of 39 years Frances Donlon, in 1995. Also three sisters, Mary Bernadette Donlon of Saugerties NY, Adrienne Donlon of Chicago, Illinois and Barbara Huff of Michigan and one brother Gerard Donlon of the Philippines, Joseph and Marion (both died in infancy). He is survived by three brothers, Paul A. Donlon Jr., of Saugerties, New York, Jack Donlon, of Panama City Florida, and Colonel Roger H. C. Donlon of Leavenworth, Kansas. Michael and his brothers served proudly in the United States Military. Son-in-law Michael Rossman and grandson Casey Holcombe also predeceased Michael. He is survived by nine children and their spouses, and 10 grandchildren. Denise Rossman, Marianne and Tom Holcombe, Adrienne and Michael Nodes, Janine and Michael Donlon , Darlene and Dr. Mark Donlon , Paul and Celia Donlon, Jacqueline Donlon, David Donlon and Francine Donlon. His grandchildren, Casey Holcombe, Dane Rossman, Samantha Holcombe, Kaileigh Donlon, Harrison Nodes, Lucas Donlon, Alex Donlon, Jake Donlon, Richard Donlon, and Chase Donlon. Michael graduated from Saugerties High School in Catskill Mountain region of New York and later served in the 1st Infantry Division, from 1945-1946 in Germany. He received a WWII Victory Medal, Occupational Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Michael graduated Loyola University of New Orleans, Louisiana. Michael was a long time employee of General Electric Company followed by Texas Instruments. Michael was a 50 year resident of Basking Ridge and was a Parishioner of St. James Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Michael was also was a parishioner of The Shrine of St Joseph in Sterling New Jersey. He ministered to the sick and aging at Fellowship Village and was active in a Christian Men's Fellowship called "Top of the Hill Gang". He had a great love for baseball and played the position of pitcher throughout his high school and college years. Michael was a devoted and faithful husband, grandfather, father, brother, and trusted friend to many, with a deep and devout love of God. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass, at 4:00 pm, Tuesday, August 2, at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 184 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, immediately preceded by a viewing at 2:30 pm at St. James Church. A second Mass for family and friends will be held at St. Mary's of the Snow, 25 Cedar St, Saugerties, NY, on Wednesday, August 3, at 11a.m., followed by a Christian burial at St Patrick's Cemetery, Catskill NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's Foundation alzfdn.org) or the ALS Foundation for Life, (donations@alsfoundation.org). For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle visit www.gcfuneralhome.com