Marlborough – John Edward O”Donnell Jr., 71, died Wednesday April 6, 2011 at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home in Brewster, following a long and courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy.
Born Aug. 2, 1939 in Marlborough, the son of John and Mary Mullane O”Donnell Sr., he graduated from Marlborough High in 1957 and from Franklin Technical Institute in Boston in 1959. He served four and a half years in the U.S. Navy as a proud submarine sailor aboard the USS Blackfin, performing covert operations during the Vietnam era.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Mr. O”Donnell worked as Assistant Commissioner for the DPW in Marlborough. Later, he spent his career in and around civil engineering, including CMS Construction in Marlborough. Ultimately, after many years as a superintendent with Maietta Construction of South Portland, Maine, he retired in 2004. He spent his short retirement traveling between his home in Venice, Fla. and Cape Cod, enjoying his time with his many friends and family.
Mr. O”Donnell will always be remembered for his passion for sailing and the ocean, flying planes and helicopters, and his love for “great” food, especially pasta and steak. He was a man of incredible faith with a great sense of humor, integrity and honesty. He loved life and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children, Christine O”Donnell and his beloved granddaughter, Megan of Castle Rock, Col.; and Michael of Corta Madera, Calif. He also leaves his brother, Robert O”Donnell of Atlanta; his sister, Theresa Trombetta of East Dennis; and several nieces and a nephew.
A funeral Mass was held April 9 from St. Rose of Lima of Northborough, with burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Marlborough. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis MA 02601. For online condolences, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.