Robert "Bob" Donnelly

Robert “Bob” Earl Donnelly passed away in Toledo, OH on March 20, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.  Bob was born on April 29, 1960, to Brenda and Robert Donnelly in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.  He enjoyed hockey, snowmobiling, and being a big brother while growing up. 

After his time in the army, Bob moved to Oklahoma where he met his best friend Mark and was introduced to the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” by Mark and Janice Goins.  They were married on August 31, 1985, and spent every day together since.  Bob and Peggy moved to Toledo after their wedding to be closer to Bob’s parents and siblings while they all grew their families.  Bob’s daughters, Rachelle and Heather, were his pride and joy.  He loved watching them play sports and would use all of his vacation time from work to make it to as many sporting events as he could.  He also helped out with many of their teams and spent endless hours catching pitches and shooting baskets in the backyard with his girls.

Bob took over his garbage business in 2006 and enjoyed working for himself and getting to know his customers who became dear friends.  He also enjoyed spending time in his truck with his nephew, Bradley Malone, who regularly worked with him.  Bob was never the type to sit still for long and could often be found working on his garbage trucks, using tiny rakes to pick up every little stick in his yard, playing with his squirrel friends, or fixing things around his house.  If Bob was sitting still, it was to watch sports.

Papa Bob was Bob’s favorite title because his granddaughters were his favorite people.  He was always so proud of any and everything they did.  His granddaughters describe him as funny and crazy.  Bob loved being with his family both biological and those he added along the way.  Bob also loved his dogs and spent much of his time cuddled on the couch with them.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed hanging out with his friends and neighbors, who became brothers to him over the years. 

Bob was very friendly and would talk to anyone.  Anywhere he went, he seemed to find someone he knew.  He was also funny, silly, and smart.  He always knew the answers to Jeopardy and could figure out a way to fix anything.  He was the go-to for all of his family members for advice for many, many years and he made sure to take care of them all. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Brenda Donnelly and many of his dogs.  Surviving him are his wife Peggy Donnelly, children Rachelle (Dwight Munson) Donnelly and Heather (Matt) Gleason, granddaughters Logan and Paisley Gleason, siblings Barb (Jeff) Malone, Scott (Therese) Donnelly, and Lori Donnelly, Mark Goins and Janice Goins, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the wonderful nurses and doctors at Flower Hospital and Toledo Hospital who cared for both Bob and his family during his last days.

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