Bertram “B.J.” James Donnelly, 89, passed away June 3, 2010 in Manteca.

He was born June 6, 1920 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Donnelly was a Manteca resident for 18 years, prior to that he lived in San Jose for 20 years, and prior to that in Sunnyvale for 18 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Donnelly; daughter Barbara Davidson; son-in-law Walter Perlhefter; and brothers Frederick Donnelly and Ernest Donnelly.

Mr. Donnelly is survived by daughters Patricia Donnelly Perlhefter of Manteca and Marie Donnelly of Clovis; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren:.

Mr. Donnelly is a United States Navy veteran of World War II and Korean War (1942-1945).  He served with the Naval Air Transport Service in the South Pacific and Central Pacific areas VR10 and VR12.

B.J. retired in 1982 after over 32 years of service as a maintenance supervisor for United Airlines in San Francisco.  After retirement he worked for Lima Brothers Mortuary in San Jose.  B.J. was a member of the Train Collectors Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and International Association of Machinists.  He also had a huge collection of die cast cars.  He loved all kinds of music.  He enjoyed photography.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Optimal Hospice Care, 122 W. Granger Avenue, Modesto, CA. 95350.
An online guestbook is available at www.plfryandson.com

Visitation is Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 10 to 11 a.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service is Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 11 a.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca.

Mr. Donnelly’s final resting place is the Tracy Mausoleum, 8842 W. Schulte Road, Tracy. A reception will follow.