In Memoriam

Richard M. Donnelly

April 28, 2021

Richard M. Donnelly, graduate of Yale and Yale Architecture School, passed away April 28, 2021 due to complications of heart valve replacement. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, his two daughters Kim and Kara, as well as two grandchildren, Kendall and Lucas.

Rich lived and worked in most of the New England states before moving to southwest Florida where he opened his small design company. When he wasn’t designing, he devoted his time to getting a Welcome and Discovery Center developed and built for Lovers Key State Park in southwest Florida. He also served on the City of Bonita Springs Land Use and Planning Board as well as the architectural review committee for Quail West Development. His spare time was spent drawing or traveling or both.

Rich was past President of Friends of Lovers Key, a 501(c)3 organization that directly supports the mission of Lovers Key State Park, near Fort Myers FL. The Friends of Lovers Key newsletter published the following remembrance.

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In Memory Of Rich Donnelly, Past President of Friends of Lovers Key

FOLKS Newsletter

April, 2021

We are sad to inform our members and friends of the recent passing of FOLKS past President and board member Rich Donnelly.

Rich Donnelly's accomplishments and sacrifices are numerous. A true 'son' of Yale, Rich and family spent years in NH where Rich used his architectural skills for local banking institutions. In recent years, Rich designed and oversaw the construction of some of SWFL's most significant homes. At the same time Rich put his architectural education to work for the local community in projects he had a passion for.

His time and sacrifice were no more apparent than his devotion to Lovers Key State Park, his efforts to raise the state appropriation for the building, and then the final construction of the Lovers Key "Welcome and Discovery Center". Rich penned the first conceptual drawings for the building. And, as President of the Friends of Lovers Key Board of Directors, Rich drove much of the effort to raise funds for the state appropriation, furnishings and the educational exhibits within the facility. His was a laser-like focus never wavering from the mission.

As a member of the City of Bonita Springs Land Use and Planning Board, Rich helped secure, shape and form the continued growth of the City. Review of projects and the vision for the future of the City he loved will benefit local residents and visitors for years.

Rich was devoted to his family- his sisters and of course, his wife Barbara and his two daughters, Kara and Kim who were at his bedside at his passing. Barbara and daughters ask that you remember and honor Rich with a donation to The Friends of Lovers Key.