Michael Francis "Mike" Donlan, of West Roxbury, a Boston attorney whose life's work joined the law to the cause of peace — in his city, in Ireland, and in the wider world — died peacefully on June 20, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 87.

Born in Boston on September 25, 1938, son of the late Edmond John Donlan, a Massachusetts state representative and attorney, and Rosella Kenny Donlan, a school teacher, Mike was educated at the Randall G. Morris elementary school, St. Sebastian's Country Day School, and the College of the Holy Cross, where he graduated cum laude in 1960. He earned his law degree at Harvard Law School in 1966 and served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve.

Over a professional career spanning more than five decades, much of it as a partner at the Boston firm of Rich, May, P.C., Mike practiced energy and corporate law and, in later years, advised on regional energy concerns for the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. He served as Vice Chairman of the Boston Redevelopment Authority and as a Trustee of the University of Massachusetts.

Mike's passion for Ireland — its people, its culture, and its literature — drew him into the quiet, patient work of peacemaking. Alongside Nobel Peace laureate John Hume and other Boston leaders, Mike helped found the Committee for a New Ireland and Boston-Derry Ventures, working behind the scenes in the long effort that would ultimately lead to the Good Friday Agreement. He brought the same conviction to the cause of nuclear disarmament as president of the Lawyers Alliance for World Security, working tirelessly to reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction.

Mike is best known as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was the beloved husband of Susan Mulvanity Donlan, and the loving father of Maura Donlan of New York City; Michael "Mike" Donlan Jr. of Seattle, WA; Edmond "Ted" Donlan and his wife, Kirsty Boyd Donlan, of Wellesley, MA.; and Catherine "Kate" Donlan of Falls Church, VA. He was the cherished grandfather of Liam, Ross, and Charlie, and the proud uncle of the late Charles "Chuck" Campion.

He is reunited in death with his parents, Edmond and Rosella, and his siblings, Edmond, Mary, Julie, and Herbert.

Family and friends will gather to honor Michael at the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, on June 30, from 4 pm to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Theresa of Avila Church 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury, on July 1, at 10:00 am. Burial at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery will follow immediately after the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Ceres (https://www.ceres.org/), a Boston-based nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient world.