Surrounded by the family that he loved, and who in turn, loved him all the way to heaven, Sam Donnell passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on Thursday, November 16, 2017.
Sam was born on October 2, 1928, the son of Samuel and Jeannie (Duncan) Donnell of Englewood, NJ. Answering the call to serve our country, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served bravely in the Korean Conflict. The President of the United States saluted Sam’s courage by awarding him the Silver Star for “Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity” during combat at the Chosin Reservoir.
Sam returned home from war, married his sweetheart, Lil, and together they raised three children in Lynn, Massachusetts while working for many years at General Electric. Sam & Lil retired to Fort Pierce, FL to enjoy the sunshine and year round golf. Together, they took great joy in playing golf in 49 of our nation’s states, yet each year finding time to return north to be with the family that he dearly loved.
Sam leaves his wife of 65 years, Lillian Donnell of Manchester, CT, 3 children, Gary Donnell and his wife Mary Ellen of Somers, CT; Bruce Donnell of New Orleans, LA as well as Margie Pearson and her husband Frank of Coventry, CT. Sam also leaves 6 grandchildren, Sarah Bowen and her husband Justin of Beverly, MA; Lauren Costa and her husband Adam also of Beverly, MA; Greg Pearson and his fiancé, Jenna Lynner of St. Paul, MN; Amy Pearson and her husband Jair Solis of Lantana, FL; Kevin Pearson of Windsor Locks, CT and Kristin Pearson of Coventry, CT. He was also the proud Great Grampa to Nolan Costa and Patrick Bowen of Beverly, MA.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Coventry–Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Turnpike (Rte.44), Coventry, CT on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 10 AM to Noon. A brief ceremony will be held following the calling hours. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The First Tee of Connecticut, 55 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT 06416, whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel G. Donnell Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.