Michael “Mike” Wilbur Donnelly was born to Robert and Virginia Donnelly on May 12, 1948, in Santa Barbara.
His family moved to Carpinteria in 1956, where he attended local schools, graduating from Carpinteria High School (Class of 1966). That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Atelvina (Tillie) Jimenez.
Mike began his law enforcement career in 1969 with the Carpinteria Police Department. Being a patrol officer was special to him, being able to protect and serve his hometown community.
In October 1978 he was promoted to sergeant, and the following year to lieutenant. He received numerous accolades during his employment with the department, including the H. Thomas Guerry Outstanding Service Award. He was the first K9 handler in Santa Barbara County and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
On July 1, 1992, Mike went to work for the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) when the Sheriff’s Office absorbed the Carpinteria Police Department.
During his time with SBSO, Mike worked at the main jail overseeing operations. He was promoted to commander, overseeing court services. He then transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division and retired in May 2008.
After retiring, Mike enjoyed watching sports, golfing, gardening and traveling.
Mike passed away suddenly while on vacation with Tillie in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 28, 2023.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Donnelly of Carpinteria; and his grandson, Cameron of Clovis, California.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tillie; sons Michael and Steven (Julie) Donnelly; sisters Patricia Keiser and Roberta Rapanut; grandchildren Tayanna, Annemarie, Alyssa (Adrian), Conner, Arianna, Kyle, and Avalina; great-grandsons Zayden and Cruz.
He also leaves an extended family of several sisters/brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike was deeply devoted to his family and was on “watch” as their protector until his passing.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 12 (his birthday) at the Carpinteria Cemetery gazebo, 1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria.