John "Jack" O'Donnell

John “Jack” O’Donnell passed away peacefully at 91 years old in Fort Myers, Florida on June 24, 2024.  Jack was born on January 30, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Joseph O’Donnell and Sarah (D’Antuone) O’Donnell.

Jack graduated from Christopher Columbus Highschool in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1950, and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952, where he served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter- Barataria.

After leaving the military, he married Patricia Hurley of Everett, Massachusetts and together had four children John O’Donnell, Therese (O’Donnell) Matthews, Gerard O’Donnell and Paul O’Donnell.

Although their marriage didn’t survive the troubles of life, Jack was blessed with 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, all of which have remained part of Jack’s life through the years.

In 1987, Jack found love again and married Judi Connors of Reading, Massachusetts who preceded him in his passing.  Together, they made a life in Wells, Maine, and eventually Fort Myers, Florida  Jack and Judi are survived by Bonnie (Connors) Batt, Susan (Connors) Estey, Joanne (Connors) Hegarty and Christine (Connors) House.  Additionally, Jack was blessed to be part of the life of 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren on Judi’s side of the family.

During Jack’s life, he showed love to family in many ways, but some of the most memorable moments included making mickey mouse pancakes, trips for ice cream to the scoop deck, and memories made at Magnolia in Wells, Maine.

In addition to loving his family, Jack also is remembered for giving back to the communities in which he lived.  He spent 20 years helping with youth little league helping young boys gain skills in the sport, as well as behind the scenes help at the Ogunquit theater in Ogunquit, Maine. 

Funeral services celebrating Jack’s entrance into the eternal kingdom will be held at Saint Agnes Church in Reading on Friday, August 2nd, at 10:30am.  Interment Charles Lawn Memorial Park, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or by referring to the link below.  Jack had a passion for the little ones who suffered most, and often contributed to this cause.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome