Ralph E. Donnelly, 75, exhibitor

Film veteran was one of ShowEast founders

By VARIETY STAFF

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.

Donations may be made to Variety - The Children's Charity.

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