Dennis O'Donnell
April 25, 2010
J. Dennis O’Donnell, 57, of Danvers, died suddenly on Sunday, April 25, 2010 while vacationing in New York City. He was the loving husband of Gail (Harrison) O’Donnell, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage. Born in Cincinnati, OH on Feb. 14, 1953, he was the son of Barbara (Horne) (O’Donnell) Carmody of Danvers and the late Joseph O’Donnell. Dennis was raised and educated in Cincinnati and Danvers and was a graduate of Danvers High School, Class of 1971. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Salem State College in 1974 and master’s degree from Marshall University in West Virginia in 1977. A lifelong educator, Dennis retired as a principal from the Gloucester school system. He had previously worked as a teacher and principal in Fayette County, West Virginia. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, he loved to cook and was an avid Boston sports fan. He especially enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife. In addition to his wife and mother, he leaves two children, Colleen O’Donnell Finocchiaro and her husband James of Danvers and Timothy O’Donnell of New York City, two brothers, Paul and Mark O’Donnell, both of Danvers, his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathy(Eramo), Jerry, Billy, and Brian Harrison, and many nieces and nephews. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 10AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dennis’ name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea School, 13 Chapman St., Beverly, MA 01915 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Rd., 2nd fl., Bethesda, MD 20814.
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Gail, Coleen & Tim. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great guy. He was wonderful helping Pete and I with the Band stuff way back when and we where so lucky to get the chance to work with him again at the Fair. He was a funny guy and his kind words where an inspiration to my son Pete who is at a loss for words. Gone but NEVER forgotten. Love to all of you.
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Gail, Colleen, and Timmy. Dennis and I were close friends when we served as principals in Fayette County, West Virginia. He was a great guy with an infectious sense of humor and I will miss him dearly. May God comfort his family in their time of need.
Dear Gail and Family, Our most sincere and deep sympathy at Dennis’ passing. We are so shocked and sad to hear this news today. Dennis was always so nice to Kathy when they both worked at ST. Mary’s. He not only had a wonderful sense of humor,but also was always willing to lend a hand or offer advice. He will be dearly missed. Always remember he is in a wonderful place now with God and will surely be looking out for all his family from above. We are here for you, Gail, and please do not ever hesitate to call for anything you may need. With Love, Kathy and Wally Orechia
Gail and family: Please accept our sincere sympathy and condolences in your loss of Dennis. He was a wonderful teacher and administrator in our school system. He always had a smile for everyone and always was willing to help in any endeavor. Doug Kincaid
Gail and family, I am so sorry about the sudden, unexpected death of Dennis. I go so far back I recall when we hired both of you as teachers here in Fayette County. I have retired (6 years now). Please accept my sincere condolences. May God’s promise of a resurrection bring peace and comfort to you and your family (John 5:28, 29). Sincerely, Karen Paul
As a retired Fayette County WV Principal, I knew and respected the work of Dennis . I felt also that he was a special person . He will be missed by all . God bless the family and the memory of a good man .
Dear Gail and family: I was indeed sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. It brings to mind our days at Montgomery Middle School. There were so many wonderful memories made when Dennis was our principal. I pray that you and the family find peace and comfort in knowing that Dennis is resting in the arms of the Almighty with no more pains or worries. You are in our prayers. Garfield and Rita (Wattie) Bohanna
Gail–I am so sorry to hear about Dennis–I was just thinking about you over the Easter break. We did have some good times and I know your children will be a comfort to you. Just know that we are thinking of you and will always remember Dennis in our hearts and prayers. Keep in touch and when you can you should come back to see us here in the hills. With you in prayer–Julia Brown
Gail and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dennis was my principal at Powellton Elementary in 1991. It was my first year of teaching and I was so overwhelmed. His support and sense of humor helped me make it through. He will be missed and remembered with appreciation. Susan Telisko Ward
Gail, Colleen, and Timmy: The news of Dennis’ death came as a terrible shock. My girls’ favorite stories of Valley Elementary are about Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Williams. He will be remembered with a smile or chuckle by so many former students and colleauges. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Chris
Gail, Timmy and Colleen I am so sorry to hear this news. Dennis was very influential in my teaching career and so supportive while working on my masters degree. He was a joy to work for and he always made it fun. Some of my fondest memories are the times we use to all get together(Timmy use to entertain us). He will be missed by all who knew him. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lea Ann
Dear Gail, I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. I will always remember him as the man who gave me my chance to get back in the classroom. His encouragement those first 3 years that I was back in the classroom at Powellton save me from running away screaming into the woods. He was a good friend and a great guy to work for. I was just thinking about him and you both when Ann gave me the news. Know that you all are in my prayers. Love, Cathy
My sincere condolences at your deep loss of Dennis. He was a man I deeply respected, and whose company I enjoyed. I know there are many who will miss him and hold fond memories. May your memories be some comfort to you now and forever.
Dear Gail, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dennis was such a great guy and will be missed by many. Please contact us in the future. Love and Peace, Juanita, David, amd JD Olson (old friends from Fayetteville.
Dear Gail and Family, I was saddened to learn of your lost. At Powellton Elementary, Dennis was a good administrator and a great friend. He took the time to listen to all of us. One of my favorite memories is when Dennis would open his bottom desk drawer and offer us a piece of chocolate candy just before we started to make a complaint. He new how to make us smile. I will remember him with the fondest of memories. I send you my love and prayers.
Dear Mrs. O’ Donnell and family, I was so heartbroken to hear about Dennis. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dennis was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. I had the pleasure of meeting him while working in the Gloucester School Department and also having a child at Veteran’s Memorial School. Sincerely, Alma Parsons
Gail, Timmy, and Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a terrific friend to me and you all were so very supportive to my family and I.I love you all so very much. Lee
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. O’Donnell was a great teacher and a favorite amoung all his students. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Walsh Family Chett, Beth, Erika, Kelsey and Alex
Dear Gail, Colleen, & Timmy, We are so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a wonderful man that will be missed by so many. We have so many fond memories of being neighbors on Boomer Hill. May God’s blessings be with you all now and in the days ahead. Sincerely, Bruce & Norma Williams
Dear Mrs. O’Donnell, I am so sorry for your loss. Mom and Dad tell me stories about my early years on Boomer Hill. You were with my Mom when she found out she was expecting me. Mr. O’Donnell stayed with me when Mom and Dad left for the hospital the night Matthew was born. I share their deep sorrow at your loss. My prayers are with you. Sincerely, Craig Williams
Dear Mrs. O’Donnell, Mom called to tell me of the passing of Mr. O’Donnell. The two of you were very important to our family when I was too little to remember. Mom and Dad have told stories of Boomer Hill and the O’Donnell’s. I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. Sincerely, Matthew Williams
Gail, Timmy, and Colleen, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I couldn’t believe it when my sister Ann told me of Dennis’s passing. Back in the late 80s when Megan was young and I would visit them, It was always fun to hang out with everyone and listen to Dennis give Ann a hard time! Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength you need to get through this very difficult time. Susan (Woody) Groves
Gail and Family, So sorry to hear of the death of Dennis. I started my teaching career at Valley Elementary with both of you. You were both such a help to a fresh, young teacher. My prayers are with you.
Gail, Colleen, and Timmy, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Dennis. I’m glad to know he did not suffer a long time. I remember all the good as well as some bad times we had at Kimberly and MMS. I know your loss is great but may you find strength in the Lord. Love and Prayers, Betty Jo Garten
Dear O’Donnell family, Mr. O’Donnell was my son’s Principal at Veteran’s Memorial School. He was an amazing Principal and made us feel very welcomed into his school. I just found out about his passing. I am sending my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. God bless. Pam Murray