John R Donley passed away at home, surrounded by family on April 4, 2020. He was born to Ruth and Henry Donley on November 4, 1935. He spent his youth in Valparaiso, graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1953. He went on to attend Valparaiso Technical School and Purdue Calumet NW.

He was a member of Divine Providence Polish National Catholic Church in Gary, where he married the love of his life, Marcella, in 1959, and St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

John proudly served as a Marine during the Korean War, and upon returning from duty found work at US Steel. He was an electronic repairman and taught the Apprenticeship Program at USS. He was then promoted to Management at USS and was Chairman of the Electronic Advisory committee at Ivy Tech.
He retired from USS in 1993 with 38 years of service

John was a devoted Bears fan and avid golfer. He was the Golf Chairman and also served as president of the Gary Works Supervisors Club for several years. He has the distinguished honor of being the first golfer at the Supervisors Club to make a hole in one.

He is survived by his wife, Marcella (nee Mroz) Donley of 61 years; daughter, Doreen (David) Ronzani and son, John H Donley (fiancee Fawn Prahlow); grandchildren: Bradley J Badovinac, Kyle PJ Donley, Alyssa N Donley, and Connor H Donley; sister-in-law, Mary (Dan) Donley-Whitler; several step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his Angelic grandbaby, Kaitlyn Mckenzie Donley; beloved sister Sharon (William) Lepird and beloved brother James; parents Ruth and Henry Donley; and in-laws, Josef & Mary Mroz.

John and Marcella will be laid to rest with a shared memorial service on Friday, August 14, 2026. Visitation will be 10 AM until time of service at 12:00 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, Indiana 46410.  Inurnment with military honors to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.

The family requests any donations be made to:
Ronald McDonald House Global, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, Il 60673
Or https://ronald mcdonaldhouse.org

Please call 219-736-5840 for further information.