Exhibitor Ralph E. Donnelly died Sept. 21 in Palm Harbor, Fla. He was 75.
~~Donnelly was a pioneer of specialized exhibition, and established the First Avenue Screening Room in Manhattan and the Mini Cinema in Uniondale, New York. ~~
He was a founder of the annual ShowEast convention. Starting in his teens as an usher, he ultimately became president of Cinema 5 Theaters in Manhattan. He was also head film buyer at City Cinemas, RKO-Stanley Warner Theaters, Creative Film Services and Associated Independent Theaters. A past president of the Variety Club and the Motion Picture Bookers Club, he was also a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and was on the board of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. After Donnelly retired, he served as a shipboard host on cruises, screening films and leading discussions of film lore. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; a sister; three children and five grandchildren.
Thank you. my Mom and I really appreciate all of your kind words!
P.s.
MISS U POPOP!!
Exhibitor Ralph E. Donnelly died Sept. 21 in Palm Harbor, Fla. He was 75.
~~Donnelly was a pioneer of specialized exhibition, and established the First Avenue Screening Room in Manhattan and the Mini Cinema in Uniondale, New York. ~~
He was a founder of the annual ShowEast convention. Starting in his teens as an usher, he ultimately became president of Cinema 5 Theaters in Manhattan. He was also head film buyer at City Cinemas, RKO-Stanley Warner Theaters, Creative Film Services and Associated Independent Theaters. A past president of the Variety Club and the Motion Picture Bookers Club, he was also a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and was on the board of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. After Donnelly retired, he served as a shipboard host on cruises, screening films and leading discussions of film lore. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; a sister; three children and five grandchildren.