Former Butte mayor, Wreck Donnelly dies
 

William P. “Wreck” Donnelly, a former Butte Mayor, businessman and civic leader, died Monday in a local hospital at the age of 83.  He had been ill the last several years.

A Democrat, he was elected mayor in 1957 and served one two-year term.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 in St. Patrick Church.  Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.  The Rosary will be recited Tuesday night at 8 in the Chapel, 213 N. Montana.

Mr. Donnelly was born in Butte Oct. 25, 1891, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Donnelly, who came here from Virginia City, Nev., in the 1880s.  His father was a longtime member of Butte Miners Union 1 and was a trustee several terms.  His mother was the former Margaret O’Toole, member of a pioneer western family.

After grade school study in Sacred Heart, he graduated from Butte High School, where he earned his colorful nickname, Wreck, as an allstate backfield star for four years starting in 1910. He also played high school basketball four years. His football exploits earned him recognition on all mountain and all northwest honor teams.

He attended Gonzaga University and then studied law at the University of Georgia and Georgetown University.

He served in the Navy during World War I.  In 1918-19 he coached football and basketball squads at old Central High School.

In 1919-20 he was assistant secretary of the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C., and continued to be active in party works.

He graduated from LaSalle University with a degree in accounting and from 1921 until his retirement in 1968 was with Burroughs Adding Machine Co. in Washington, D.C. and in Butte.

Mr. Donnelly was one of the first backers of a civic center for Butte and then was named to its commission, which he served as chairman and vice chairman.  His interest in sports never waned.  He was a founder of the Butte High Silver B’s, of which he was president in 1952-53, and then the Golden B’s, those who had lettered 50 or more years previously.

He was a member of Silver Bow Post of the American Legion, Butte Elks, Kiwanis Club, Butte Chamber of Commerce, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and South Side Businessmen Inc.  He worked in promotion of the Butte Vigilante Rodeo.

He and Edna Cady married here and had their home at 850 W. Silver. She died childless in 1950. Surviving are a nephew, Dist. Judge James Freebourn, and a niece. He was preceded in death by brothers Arthur, Thomas, James and Jack and two sisters, Anne Donnelly Freebourn and Mayme Angel.

The Montana Standard
Butte, Montana
December 10, 1974