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Edward O'Donnell Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Edward O'Donnell
Al Cavagnaro
January 30, 2024
Ed: I am still alive! (Not many of our high school classmates still are above the earth! Remembering so very well the beautiful friendship I and many others enjoyed with you at Regis.
Al Cavagnaro
Pam Hegger
February 14, 2009
My sympathy to the O'Donnell family. I remember being in awe of this man as a young girl at Notre Dame in Wellston. He would help my dad with our softball team once in awhile, and I remember the game where he was asked to umpire because we needed someone impartial (even though our team was sponsored by our church). What a great man. He will be remembered always by the Hegger family.
Nancy Hetzel
February 11, 2009
Dear Eileen & Jerry,
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. Actually, many, many people will feel this loss. He was a wonderful, caring man and a wonderful cousin. He took the time to visit with my son, Tim's, mother in law when she was in Louisiana and looking for some sign to help her deal with ovarian cancer. He gave her a feeling of peace that she had not found yet. Sadly, she passed away. but always remembered his kindness to her. I have fond memories of him as a younger cousin looking up to the great role model he was. It was an honor for Bob and I that he officiated at our wedding almost 45 years ago. Although our geographical distances did not allow us to visit much, it was wonderful to see his smiling face at my brother's funeral. We are all truly blessed to have had him in our family.
Nancy (O'Donnell) Hetzel
Jan Beck (Ham)
February 6, 2009
To the O'Donnell Family,
Bishop O'Donnell gave me catechism classes in 1966 at Notre Dame Church in Wellston, Missouri and he has always had a special place in my heart and always will.
jan Boyle
February 6, 2009
My condolences to Bishop O'Donnell's family. His leadership, firm commitment and wonderful homiletic skills were always immensely appreciated and needed by those of us active in those early days of the pro-life movement. And who among the St.Louis' Irish community could ever forget his participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee's functions, especially his wonderful homilies about the Irish and St. Patrick at the Old Cathedral's Parade Committee's Mass? Rest in Peace.
Vincent Correnti
February 6, 2009
I was very saddened by the passing of this wonderful man. I was one of the lucky ones to have had him as a sports coach and friend during many of my formative years. Some of my fondest memories include his taking me for my drivers test in his car, going to Ted Drewes after sports, and taking me to the hospital to visit one of "our bunch" who was in a serious accident. May the Good Lord grant comfort to all his family and friends.
Michele Vossen
February 6, 2009
To the O'Donnell family -
Thank you for sharing Fr. O'D with us.
One never knows the depth of an action - a smile, a kind word, or taking time to have a conversation. His actions made a difference every day. I will always be thankful for him and the way he gently guided us along the way. His use of humor and ability to be 'one of us' made his example so much more meaningful...that we all can be more like him.
I find comfort in him continuing to guide us still!
Anita Correnti
February 6, 2009
Dear Jerry and Eileen and all Fr. O'D's loved ones,
I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of him, especially from my geeky teenage years when he was at St. Gabriel's. He encouraged me to become more active in the CYC and to go for leadership positions, which I did and ultimately enjoyed.
Another fond memory was my brother Vince's 16th birthday. Dad was at work and Mom had a cub scout troop over at the house for our younger brother Ken, so nobody was available to take him to get his drivers license until the following day. Fr. O'D to the rescue! Vince got licensed on his birthday.
That's how I remember him--somebody who genuinely loved his fellow human beings and lived that love. Now that I think about it, it was written all over his face in his smile, affable manner and twinkling eyes!
In your sorrow, I hope it helps to know what a difference he made to so many people.
Anita Correnti
Al Cavagnaro
February 5, 2009
He was a beautiful person and a wonderful friend when I knew him all those many years ago as my high school classmate. I am not surprised that he achieved such high standing in the church and had so many caring friends. I am sure he will have elevated status on high.
Marion McCarthy Kelly
February 5, 2009
Bishop O'Donnell (or Fr. O'D as we called him) was truly a special person. I have so many happy memories of him when he was stationed at St. Roch. He was the first priest to take us girls out for shakes--just like the boys. I remember us calling him up or dropping by at the rectory. It seemed like he was always there, ready to give of his time. And we loved playing him in basketball! To this day, thinking about him always makes me smile. My condolences to his family. What a gem he was.
Bill Kearney
February 5, 2009
I mourn the loss of Bishop Edward O'Donnell. Ed and I were high school classmates and good friends at Regis High School in New York City. Ed's parents planned to move back to St. Louis upon retirement, and so, Ed entered the seminary in St. Louis, and the parishioners of St. Louis and Lafayette, LA have been the beneficiaries of his wonderful priesthood. Many high school friends from New York visited Father Ed over the years when they were passing through St. Louis, and his friendship and hospitality were always there. I send my condolences to Ed's sister, Eileen Cochran and her her husband, Jerry, and their family. Father Ed O'Donnell was beloved.
Amy Vossen Vukelic
February 5, 2009
To the O'Donnell Family,
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of a great man. In our family, "Fr. O'Donnell" lives on as a key source of support to us through a difficult time when he was assigned to St. Roch parish in St. Louis. Two by two, he would treat the siblings to a Denny's milkshake, and subtly find ways to let us know that we would be okay. To an 11-year old, those trips were life-savers!
He lives on in those memories. Thanks for allowing me to share.
Mary Ann Mott
February 5, 2009
Father O'Donnell is, unfortunately, one of a vanishing breed. He had the mental, emotional and physical strength and faith-based conviction to live a difficult and stressful life. He will be sorely missed in the Catholic community as well as the community as a whole.
Frank Delonjay
February 5, 2009
Our sympathy to the Bishop's family. A truly great shepherd. Funny the things you think of - Father O(then) hitting the church roof after Gerry Welsch, Gene & George Brennan hit onto Tamm (pre-gym & pre-aluminum bats). a bus trip ALL the way to Epiphany to watch Yates, English, Simmons, McCartney & Hogan play for City. going to the Esquire to see Lawrence of Arabia. a magic trick in Tim Hummel's basement. never figured it out. great times. Thank you Bishop and please put in a word for me with management
Suzanne Vossen Kasten
February 5, 2009
Dear Family of Bishop O'Donnell,
I am saddened to hear of Father O'Ds passing. When he was at St. Roch's parish, he helped our family out lots while my parents went throught their divorce. He spent many hours with us, counseling us and making sure all of us kids were okay. I always catch myself smiling when I think of him. Please know he has a special place in yet another person's heart. He will be truly missed. There aren't many left like him.
Sincerely, Suzanne Vossen Kasten
Pat Hewett
February 4, 2009
My sympathy to the family of a great priest and friend. I was a student at Notre Dame de Lourdes from '55 to '64. Father O'Donnell was someone we looked up to and he 'saved' us from Father Ryan-alot. He was our friend and confidante. I think fondly of him as I reminisce about my early school years in Wellston. He will be missed.
Mike Ridley
February 4, 2009
There will always be a special place in my heart for this special man. He will always be the young, handsome, muscular Fr. O'Donnell who would take us kids to Stake-N-Shake after playing basketball with us in the school yard. I will be eternally grateful to him for teaching me the proper way to eat scrambled eggs----that is smothered with ketchup.
FRIENDS of PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS of Greater St. Louis
February 4, 2009
TO the O'DONNELL FAMILY:
Please know of our prayerful sympathy on the death of former St. Louisian BISHOP EDWARD J. O'DONNELL.
During his term as Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis, he admirably represented pro-life issues and many other pastoral concerns on behalf of the Archdiocese. He continued many of these activities in his later role as Bishop of Lafayette, LA.
We are offering a Mass Enrollment for his happy repose--and know of our prayers for Bishop O'Donnell and the consolation of you, the people of the Diocese of Lafayette, and his many friends.
Sincerely,
FRIENDS of PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS
St. Louis, Missouri
Rich Winkler
February 4, 2009
I was saddened to learn of Bishop O'Donnell's passing on the radio today. He was truly someone who made a lasting impression on me as a young man. When I think of him I picture an ever present smile and the twinkle of his eyes. He will be missed.
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