John Donlevy Dies; Former City Manager
John Donlevy, former city manager of two Southeast cities, died last week after a brief illness.
Donlevy, 51, served as city manager of Pico Rivera for four years and was credited with overseeing such key projects as the city’s first major shopping center, Pico Rivera Plaza, and the Pico Rivera Sports Arena.
He resigned in 1981 and went to Downey, where he was city manager for about a year. He also has been city manager of Foster City, Norco and Galt.
During his 25 years as city manager, he helped oversee more than $100 million in capital improvement projects, said his son, John Donlevy Jr.
The city manager was a dynamic administrator who “got the city of Pico Rivera on the right track,” former City Councilman James Patronite said. “He was a strong, effective businessman.”
Donlevy was a graduate of Menlo College in Menlo Park and San Lorenzo High School.
He is survived by his wife, Merveen, three sons and three stepdaughters.
Private services were held Friday in Donlevy’s hometown of Brookdale, Calif. The family suggests donations to the Whittier College Scholarship Fund.
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