Cornelius Allen Donelan Jr's Obituary
Cornelius Allen Donelan, “Buddy,” passed peacefully March 20, 2025, 88 years of age, at home in Miami, Florida, following a stroke.
Allen was born July 29, 1936, in Columbia, SC, and is predeceased by his parents Cornelius Allen Donelan and Martha S. Donelan, and his son C. Allen Donelan III. He graduated from Dreher High School in 1954, graduated from Clemson University in 1958 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He entered the US Air Force rising to the rank of Captain. Allen worked for the federal government’s Defense Communication Agency, the State Department, and the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command. After moving to Miami, he worked with Southeast Banking Corporation, University of Miami Telecommunications, and the U. S. Postal Service.
Allen loved living in Miami and becoming part of its community. In 1974 Allen married Stella Petrides in Miami and enjoyed becoming part of her Greek Church and community. He was a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and served on two Super Bowl Committees. He participated in Downtown Rotary Club and the Executive Association of Greater Miami, and several homeowners’ groups. He continued education at the University of Miami, receiving two masters’ degrees: Electrical Engineering (MSIE) and Business (MBA).
Allen is survived by his wife Stella Petrides Donelan, his daughter Dawn Donelan Arps; his sister, Martha Donelan Tomazic (Norman Tomazic), and his brother, John O. Donelan, “Ollie,” (Sandy Donelan), nephews M. Anthony Tomazic and John O. Donelan, nieces Linda Langiotti, and Nancy Allen ; and many great nephews and nieces and godchildren.
Allen was appreciative of his many blessings throughout his life and in particular for Stella for whom he often said, “God spent a little more time on her.” He thanks all for their friendships and love throughout his lifetime and asked that his passing be celebrated as he is now in the Best Hands of All where there is no sadness but only joy, peace, and happiness.
Service Arrangements for Allen Donelan are: Funeral Service Saturday, March 29th at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 10:30 AM, followed by Internment at Caballero Rivero Dade South Memorial Park, and Makaria (Mercy Meal) at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church.
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