State Senator Ken Donnelly has died after fighting brain cancer. I hope it’s OK to quote Rep. Sean Garballey’s Facebook posting:
Senator Donnelly was my friend and a mentor. Ken was the voice for working families in the State Senate. Whether he was entering a burning building as a firefighter or passionately advocating for the most vulnerable in our Commonwealth on the floor of the State Senate, Ken always always put others first.
After working with Ken for many years I am reminded that he always did what he thought was right. He was a man of profound character and unshakable integrity. I will miss the time we spent together, the laughter and stories we shared, and the immense pride I had in calling him my friend and partner.
My prayers and sincerest condolences go out to Ken’s wife Judy, his children Keith, Ryan and Brenna, his grandchildren, his staff, his friends and the constituents who he loved so much. Rest In Peace my friend.
He was my Senator and was on the right side of a lot of things. I sent him a rather frustrated note after the MBTA-apocalypse of 2015, and he set me straight on his record, which was indeed good. (I am always happy to be set straight in such a manner!)
But today’s not about the politics. It’s about the man and the people that loved him. RIP Ken and much comfort to his family and friends.
hesterprynne says
One example that comes to mind: Senator Donnelly’s leadership in protecting the family shelter system at a time when the Governor (also a member of the Democratic party) proposed that the state “get serious” about the problem of family homelessness by declaring most families ineligible for shelter.
Excerpts from the 2012 Senate budget debate. Senator Donnelly’s amendment to restore eligibility to some families passed unanimously.
fredrichlariccia says
and became a progressive fighter championing the causes of the least among us.
I knew him through my work with his friend and former Senate colleague,
Congresswoman Katherine Clark.
Rest in peace, Senator.
Fred Rich LaRiccia
AmberPaw says
As a result, his death feels like losing a member of my own family. There is a vigil candle burning here; he will be long remembered by myself, my son, and my daughter for his kindness during a very hard time.