John J. Donnelly, a Gladwyne resident, and former owner of Bala Cynwyd construction company L.F. Driscoll, and local philanthropist, died on June 10 of cancer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania at 76, writes Bonnie L. Cook for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Donnelly was a member of St. John Vianney Church in Gladwyne and his faith guided his public and private actions. When he rose in the construction industry, he used his success to support various institutions and charitable causes in the Philadelphia area.

“He was a man who rose to the top and never stopped giving back,” his family said.

For his work on the board of directors of the Independence Mission Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Donnelly was recognized with the Medal of Honor by Pope Francis in 2018.

He also always encouraged others to follow his example and join his philanthropic efforts he referred to as “pounding the pavement.”

“Pound the pavement, not in protest, but with your talents and gifts that you are blessed with,” he used to say, according to his family. “Give back to those who have not, be an example, a mentor.”

Read more about John J. Donnelly at the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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