Benjamin Lee Donnell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Benjamin Lee Donnell on September 30, 2026. Benjamin, affectionately known as Ben, was born on March 21, 1938, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Mary (Hyde) Donnell, both who preceded him in death. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at Wesbury Methodist Community, following a brief illness and hospital stay. Ben lived a life full of love, dedication, and adventure. A cherished husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he truly valued his time with family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandra Donnell, with whom he shared 58 joyous years of marriage. Together, they built a strong and loving family, married on June 28, 1958, at the First Christian Church in Meadville, PA, following a whirlwind courtship. Ben's family was the cornerstone of his life. He was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and William Donnell, his sister Patricia Snyder, and his granddaughter Shelley Luba. Ben is survived by his brother Samuel Donnell and sister-in-law Carol, his sons Ronald Donnell and daughter-in-law Paula, James Donnell, and Mark Donnell and his spouse Richard Weaver. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Angela Crooks and her husband Kevin, Taresa Olsen, Jason Saeger and his partner Lisa Malliard, and Ellie Buch with her husband Mike, as well as four adored great-grandchildren. A graduate of Commodore Perry High School in 1956, Ben possessed a strong work ethic and a gentle spirit. His career spanned many years as a dedicated maintenance worker for Dads Dog Food and as a trusted truck driver for Warner-Smith and Consolidated Freight, from which he retired in 1999. Ben was a man of community and faith, actively participating as a member of the Pine Grove Grace Church, the Cochranton Lions Club, Meadville VFW 2006, Station 4 Firehouse, and Vernon Central. His passion for fishing and woodworking was well-known, and he delighted in spending his vacations at Oak Island, NC, where he enjoyed surf fishing, beachcombing, and relaxing with close friends for 19 years. A service to honor Ben's life will be held at the Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc located at 123 S Franklin St., Cochranton, PA 16314. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ben's memory to the Pine Grove Grace Church, 9488 S. Wayland Rd., Meadville. In remembering Ben, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man deeply loved. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.