ROCKFORD—Rev. Msgr. P. William McDonnell, S.T.L., 88, died on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Rockford.
Msgr. McDonnell was born on January 15, 1938, in Sterling, to John and Henrietta (McDermott) McDonnell.
He attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md. (1952-56). He then attended seminary at St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Md. (1959-61) where he received a bachelors’ degree. He also attended The Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy (1961-65). In 1965, he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) at the Gregorian University, Rome Italy.
Msgr. McDonnell was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 16, 1964, by Bishop Francis Reh at St. Peter Basilica, Rome, Italy.
Msgr. McDonnell’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Edward Parish, Rockford (1965-1966). He then was assigned parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, DeKalb (1966-1971). He was parochial vicar at Christ the Teacher University Parish, DeKalb, as well as appointed to Campus Ministry at Northern Illinois University’s Newman Center (1971-1979).
Msgr. McDonnell was appointed pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish, Algonquin (1979-1991).
He briefly served outside the diocese when he was appointed Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Associate Director of Field Education at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Md. (1991-1992).
He then served as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Freeport (1992-2013). In 1996, he was appointed Vicar Forane for the Freeport Deanery (1996-2013).
He was made a Prelate of Honor with the title of “Monsignor” on Nov. 26, 2000.
Msgr. McDonnell retired from active ministry on July 1, 2013. He continued to assist as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Rockford (2015-2020). He also served as Spiritual Director for the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City
(2015-2018).
Msgr. McDonnell is predeceased by his parents John and Henrietta (McDermott), his brother Herbert McDonnell and his sister Mary Lavonne Morgan (McDonnell).
He is survived by his brother John J. McDonnell of Chicago, several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Times of visitation were held the evening of March 12 as well as March 13, 10 to 11 a.m., preceding the Mass of Christian Burial. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 13, 11 a.m., at St. Mary Parish, Sterling,
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
Arrangements are being completed by McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling.
