Muhlenberg coach Mike Donnelly loses battle with leukemia
Less than a month after a bone-marrow transplant from his daughter, Mike Donnelly has passed away.
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On Aug. 14, I wrote a story on longtime Muhlenberg football coach Mike Donnelly, who was about to undergo a bone-marrow transplant. The donor was his daughter, Lauren, who happened to be the closest blood match.
The man was nothing but upbeat about his situation, and how he hoped to be back with his beloved Mules at some point.
That time, sadly, will never come.
Mr. Donnelly, 65, passed away Wednesday of complications from leukemia, almost a month after he had the procedure to try to save him.
He was the winningest coach in program history, with a record of 141-62. This would have been his 21st season in Allentown.
Those closest to him agree that he was an even better person. He touched so many, and leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
Mr. Donnelly is survived by his wife Beth; Lauren; and son Brendan. The college is planning to host a "celebration of his extraordinary life" and career, at a date to be determined.