Donnelly, Edward C., Jr. (Edward Calvin), 1907-1972

Edward C. Donnelly, Jr. was born in Dedham, Massachusetts on April 9, 1907, to Edward C. and Mary J. Donnelly. He attended the Canterbury School and Harvard University, leaving in 1927 to take over the family business, John Donnelly & Sons. In 1934, he was named Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard and appointed to the staff of Massachusetts Governor James Michael Curley's staff. In 1935, he married Curley's daughter Mary. They were divorced in 1943. He married Sheila Frances Odom in 1945 and was divorced from her in 1962. His third and last marriage was to Mary E. Donnelly. He had six sons: Brian, Edward, Frederick, Gregory, Shaun, and Stephen. Edward C. Donnelly, Jr. was a founder of the Outdoor Advertising Association and served as chairman of the board, in addition to being active in many charities. He died in Miami Beach, Florida, on October 15, 1972.