Dennis Lee Donna of Mesa, Arizona passed away on February 11, 2022 at the age of 71. Dennis was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and respected leader within the law enforcement community.
Born in Mendota, Illinois in 1950, Dennis attended St. Bede Academy and was a member of the Army National Guard. After moving to Arizona in 1984, he began his career with the Mesa Police Department and served as their Chief of Police prior to his retirement in 2005. In retirement, Dennis enjoyed traveling with his wife on their motorcycle, golfing, going to baseball games, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dennis leaves behind his mother, Cindy; his brothers, Jack and Rick; his wife, Jackie; his three daughters, Lori, Cathy, and Susie; and his six grandchildren.
Dennis was a fair, well-respected, kind, and beloved man to all who knew him. He is greatly missed.
Visitation for Dennis will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 6-8pm. Services will be held at St. George’s Catholic Church at 11 am on February 22, 2022. A police motorcade from the church to Mountain View Cemetery will follow the funeral mass.
Dennis was a wonderful cousin in our large family. I remember many visits to their home, reunions and at gatherings at Aunt’s and Uncles. So glad I got to spend time with he and Jacki last spring in Mesa. Rest in Peace Dennis. Love you…till we meet again.
Dennis and I started at Mesa the same year and we worked together until my retirement in 2005. Dennis was my friend and colleague and I had a lot of respect for him. My sincere condolences to his family on their loss. God bless each of you.
Chief Donna and I were able to keep in touch after his retirement. We would do our best to go to lunch at least once a month. I considered him my “at work” Dad. I always enjoyed my time and conversations with him. I will miss him. He was very important to me and the Mesa community. Jackie we are all here for you. Rest in peace Chief.
In over 27 years dispatching for Mesa Police/Fire and having worked for many Chiefs, I have to say Dennis was one of the finest, fairest, and most liked officers and Chief this department ever had. I shall miss you old friend, and may God bless you and your family.
I have know Dennis and his family even before he married my cousin Jackie. He was a great guy. Mary and I want to express our condolences to Jackie, the girls and their families. He will be missed.
Chief Donna was very fair minded, kind man and will be missed. Prayers and condolences to his loved ones.
Chief Donna was very fair minded, kind man and will be missed. Prayers and condolences to his loved ones.
I met Dennis thru my grandson David who is
married to Dennis & Jackie’s daughter Cathy. We were able to share a few family gatherings. He was greatly missed at these gatherings when he became sick. Dennis will always be with us in spirit. We will meet again. Rest in Jesus’s arms, Dennis.
Chief Donna hired me as the first Supervisor in PD IT. And I enjoyed working with him and for him. He was a kind soul and I was blessed to know him. Plus, after he retired, I was lucky enough to play golf with him a few times in our CoM golf league. Rest in Peace my friend.
Extending my sincere condolences to the Donna family. Dennis’s legacy lives on through his wonderful children and grandchildren. Wishing all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Such a sad lost, I became a follower of Dennis prior to him being named Chief, and I must said , he impacted my time with MPD tremendously. He will be missed.
Dennis and Jackie have been our neighbors for 7 years. Dennis oftentimes walked over to join us on our front patio during our happy hour. He enjoyed sharing jokes and many sports stories with us. We felt safe living next to the former Mesa Police Chief. We will miss him.
Chief Donna was one of the best leaders and friend, I worked for in my 37 years
in Law Enforcement. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone. He
lead Mesa PD with dignity and honesty. Jackie… thank you for sharing your
beloved husband with all that worked at Mesa. He will truly be missed.
God Bless him !!
Words can not describe the impact Dennis had on so many of us and the progressive evolution of the Mesa Police Department. His caring spirit, sincerity, intelligence, leadership, and most of all his love for the MPD family and the community he served is what I will forever remember about Dennis. I have been blessed to have him in my life as a mentor and leader and he will live forever in all of us who he has helped along the way. Rest in Peace my friend.
It was an honor to know Chief Donna. Sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.
Chief Dennis Donna will be truly missed by all who knew him. He was my first Patrol Sergeant when I was assigned to Graveyard Shift Dobson Patrol. I have only fond memories of him during that time and I will always remember his kindness and outstanding supervisory skills with him becoming Chief of Police during his career.
Thank you and Rest In Peace Sir.
My favorite Chief, not because of his policies, but because of the good man that he was.
Our hearts go out to the Donna family. Losing a beloved father, husband is never easy. Always in our prayers
Donna Juanita Gillespie & Melinda Christopher Crescione
We both loved working with and for Chief Donna. He was such a kind, caring man who always took the time to listen and help if he could. His smile was contagious and you always left an encounter with Chief Donna feeling better about life. He was one of the best and respected by all. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace Chief.
Dennis, You were an honest and truthful man. You never compromised your integrity. I enjoyed having you work for me, and was even more pleased to see
you make Chief of the MPD. Rest now my friend, your fight is ended. You fought
the fight well and properly. I am proud to call you friend.
Dennis and Jackie have been our neighbors for six years. Always first with a great smile or an offer of a ride on their golf cart – even if you were just going a few houses down. He will be missed by all. Rest In Peace Dennis ✝️