James F. Donnelly

James F. Donnelly (April 28, 1861—February 1934) was an American printer, writer and editor. A Catholic and deaf, he founded The Catholic Deaf-Mute, a monthly periodical dedicated to serving the needs and interests of Deaf Catholics.

Early life and education Donnelly was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 28, 1861 to James and Mary (nee O'Rourke) Donnelly. At age eight or nine, he became deaf from scarlet fever. He attended the New York Institute for the Deaf where he learned printing. While still in school, he was elected secretary of the Catholic Literary and Benevolent Union of the Deaf-Mute. A monthly periodical, it became a leading authority regarding issues and interests of the deaf and mute. While the paper had a national circulation, it was a financial loss. A collection of The Catholic Deaf-Mute is held at the College of the Holy Cross as part of their Deaf Catholic Archives.

Personal life and death Donnelly was married to Ellen F. Donnelly and had nine children. He died in February 1934.