Richard B. Donnelly

April 12, 2021

Richard B. Donnelly, PhD. Rick Donnelly, 65, of Cresco, died unexpectedly, Monday April 12, 2021. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Joseph and Sarah Donnelly. As an avid outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and walking in the woods. Among his other passions were cooking, teaching and helping others. He was a proud recipient of the Boy Scouts' Eagle Scout Award and also the Order of the Arrow which was a huge influence in shaping and maintaining his lifestyle. Over the years, Rick did quite a bit of traveling and relocating. He taught at Florida International University, Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, The Culinary Institute of the South, East Carolina University, East Stroudsburg University, Georgia State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. He received an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Culinary Institute of America, both a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a Master of Science in Food Service Management from Florida International University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University. He also enjoyed writing and was published several times. Rick was a former Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and was currently serving as an advisor and consultant to the group with regards to policies and procedures. He is survived by his siblings: Joseph R. Donnelly and wife, Ellie of Larksville; Robert Donnelly and his partner, Mary Ellen of Bethlehem; Sally Charneski and her husband, Danny of Wilkes-Barre; Molly Prywara and her husband, Tommy of Wilkes-Barre; MaryJo Carden of Alexandria, Virginia; and Eileen Carden of Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his stepmother, Grace Donnelly. There will be a memorial gathering at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 21 at The Roof pavilion, 293 Keokee Chapel Lane, Cresco. Pastor Kevin Straka of Word of God Bible Church will conduct a service at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tracey's Hope Hospice and Animal Rescue by visiting traceyshope.com. Private cremation has been entrusted to Bolock Funeral Home Crematory.