George Anthony Thomas Donely, III.
August 14, 1934 ~ April 28, 2017
George Anthony Thomas Donely passed away on April 28, 2017 at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
George was born in New Orleans on August 14, 1934, the son of George A.T. Donely and Valerie C. Burmaster. He graduated from Williams College and earned a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. He worked briefly at Lionel D. Edie in New York, spent eight years overseas in the U.S. Foreign Service and twenty years as an economist at The International Monetary Fund. After retiring from the IMF, George, his wife Lisa, and their infant daughter moved to the family farm, St. Richard’s Manor in St. Mary’s County. He worked for Volunteer America and eventually became director of the Retired Service Volunteer Program at the Department of Aging.
George was also a member of the Metropolitan Club in Washington D.C., the Round Table Club of New Orleans and the St. Mary’s River Yacht Club. He was on the board of several charitable organizations, one being The Friends of Music at the Smithsonian. He is memorialized in Who’s Who in America.
George had a love of travel, spoke three languages fluently, and enjoyed opera, gardening, and swimming.
George is survived by his wife, Lisa Young Donely, his daughter, Valerie J.Y. Donely, two nieces, a nephew and their families as well as by numerous other friends and relatives.
A viewing will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on May 5th from 10:00am to 11:00am, mass to follow with Msgr. Michael Wilson officiating. He will be interred in the mausoleum at The Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of Music at the Smithsonian.





George’s smile will be in my head and heart forever. He and Lisa threw the best parties ever!
George was one of the most interesting people I had met in years. A Rotarian with the Lexington Park Club. Graciously suggesting that it would be fine if I killed some of his groundhogs. Compelling speaker on International Monetary issues. Great guy. We miss you George !
We have known George for about 25 years. What a wonderful family. George (and Lisa) could always tell the most interesting stories and had so many amazing adventures. Valerie was and is the highlight of their lives. George will be missed. George will now have new adventures in Heaven. Our love, John, Mary, Devin, Mark, Brent and Alex
George was a special person who will be missed greatly by his family and the many friends who were so fortunate to have known him. George was a part of many special occasions in our lives that we are so thankful to George, along with Lisa and Valerie for their love and friendship over the years. We will miss you George, thank you for making the world a better place.
Dear Lisa and Valerie,
I was so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I always looked forward to his visits when he came into the dental office. He was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. I hope your memories will console you in your time of grief.
Sincerely,
Julie
My Darling Lisa,
I’m so sad to hear about George. I have so many wonderful, fond memories of you both and Valerie. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that he’s in great company ‘up there’. I wish I could have made it to the service, but my heart is with you. Much love to you!
Amy Loker
My Deepest Condolences go out to the Donely family, I hope you find comfort in these words, “He will swallow up death forever,……And will wipe away the tears from all faces. Isaiah 25:8