Donna O’Neal Greenley

Sept 10, 1930 - Sept 4, 2018 San Jose

Donna O’Neal Greenley passed away on Sept 4, 2018, 6 days shy of her 88th birthday. Donna was a 3rd generation Californian, born in San Rafael, California to William Rolla O’Neal and Josephine Pauline Hagedohm. Donna graduated from San Mateo High School in 1948, where she played basketball (she was 6’0”) and was a member of the Glee Club. She married Robert (Bob) Arthur Greenley, O.D. on July 3rd, 1948. Donna and Bob were happily married for nearly 69 years, until Bob passed away April 20, 2017.

In 1951, the couple moved to Los Angeles where Donna worked in the banking industry to help put Bob through the Los Angeles College of Optometry. After graduation, Donna and Bob moved north to San Jose in 1954, where they spent the rest of their lives. Bob ran a successful Optometry practice on Alum Rock Ave. for almost 40 years. Donna continued working in the banking industry for many years until their only child, Dale, was born in 1964. After that, Donna did a lot of work to help make the practice a success, often behind the scenes.

Baseball was a passion. Donna and Bob watched the San Francisco Giants at Seals Stadium when the team relocated from New York and attended the first game held at Candlestick Park on April 12, 1960. They were also 6-decade season ticket holders to the San Jose Giants, and Donna regretted not being able to catch the final games of 2018 and see the many dear friends they had made over the years. Donna and Bob became soccer supporters too, faithfully attending Dale’s games -- whether he played or coached -- and later cheering on their daughter-in-law and both grandchildren as well.

Donna and Bob loved to travel, often accompanied by dear friends and family. Hawaii was always a favorite destination, especially at their timeshare in Honolulu. They also loved travelling by cruise ship, and managed to visit 5 of the 7 continents during their many trips.

Donna kept busy over her lifetime. She played cards, tennis, and golf, and boasted a 220+ bowling average. She crocheted, knitted, and practiced calligraphy. She played the organ and sang in the church choir. She loved going to the casinos and the theater. She was a wonderful mother and the best indoor goalkeeper ever, at least in the eyes of a 10-year old boy addicted to soccer. Most importantly, she loved people and seemed to easily make, and keep, many good friends.

Donna was an active member in her Homeowner’s Association and a number of community organizations over the years including the East Valley Lion’s Club, Eastern Star, the San Jose Woman’s Club, and P.E.O., an organization that strives to be “a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever worthwhile endeavor they choose”.

Donna is survived by her son, Dale, daughter-in-law Jacquelyn, and grandchildren: Thomas and Annette. Her sister, Joan Loa Styczynski passed In a strange twist of fate, Donna’s dear sister-in-law, Joyce (Greenley) Pavlick, passed away mere hours before in Washington state. Apparently these two ladies conspired to meet up again on the other side.

Near the end of her life, Donna remarked -- with her usual sense of humor -- that: “I think my baseball career is over”. A fellow San Jose Giants fan heard about this and remarked: “No, she’s been called up to the big leagues now”.

A Celebration of Life will be held sometime in October. Please send a message to donnagreenley1930@yahoo.com or leave a message at (408) 531-7461 for additional information. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to P.E.O. (https://www.peointernational.org) or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.