In Memoriam: Bob Donnelly, Sr.

Bob and Joan competed in the Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden, hosted by Ed Sullivan, and made the finals in the polka division. Bob was particular about keeping to dance traditions, and he researched Schuhplattler and Bavarian “fest” dances (such as the Kronentanz) using available material, such as the 1925 book “Tanzbeschreibungen Oberbayrischer Schuhplattler” and instructions from the Hans Hofer Trachten Photo-Haus. His teaching in the early years of Edelweiss Passaic led to success such as first place in competitions in the 1960s. He continued teaching for many years, providing dances to Edelweiss Vorplattlers and starting and teaching a Kindergruppe. The forward of the 1925 book notes that its dance descriptions were intended to maintain the way of performing dances and bring joy to all friends of Schuhplattler. Bob helped maintain these traditions and bring them to a broader community, as enshrined on the back of Edelweiss’s flag. See https://www.edelweisspassaicnj.org/about-us/schuhplattler to download a German transcription and English translation of this book put together by his son, Bob Donnelly, Jr. that includes a dedication to Bob Sr.

While his father-in-law Herman Deussing was Edelweiss Passaic’s first musician, Bob supported many club events playing recorded music including the folk dances that are a feature at the club’s Oktoberfest, Strauss Ball, social, and other events. He and Joan shared their love of many forms of dance including international folk dances, quadrilles at our Strauss Ball, and others.

While we mourn the passing of our founding president and dance teacher, the members of Edelweiss Passaic are thankful that he and Joan shared their joy of dancing with us all.