John F. "Jack" McDonnell

John F. "Jack" McDonnell

John McDonnell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 3, 2010.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - John F. "Jack" McDonnell, the 94-year-old father of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, died Tuesday.

The elder McDonnell had served for 23 years in the Air Force, flying aboard bombers from England into Nazi-occupied Europe in World War II. He raised the future governor and four other children with his wife Emma in northern Virginia. She died in 1994.

John McDonnell made one of his last public appearances in a wheelchair at his son's Jan. 16 inauguration. At the state Capitol following the ceremony, the new governor knelt and kissed his father on the forehead.

The elder McDonnell died on election day, a year after his son's easy electoral victory. The Republican governor campaigned for other candidates this year and his post wasn't up for election Tuesday.


Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press

Sign John McDonnell's Guest Book

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November 14, 2010

Carolyn LaChance posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2010

Susan Morgan posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2010

LULA COLLINS posted to the memorial.

34 Entries

Carolyn LaChance

November 14, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the McDonnell family. Your dad was truly a special person. We used to have many chats - especially about ND, as he'd often stop as he passed our house on his way home. You have many wonderful memories of both your dad and your mom. God bless you all.

Susan Morgan

November 7, 2010

Eileen and Maureen,
We all send or sincere sympathy in your lost. May God bless you and know that your Dad is in a better place.

The Morgans.

LULA COLLINS

November 7, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 7, 2010

To the McDonnell Family,
Eugene and I send our prayers for you and your family during this time. Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your father. I know he will be missed.
Eugene and Dollie Compton
Lebanon, Virginia

Paul and Pinka Townsend

November 6, 2010

Governor Bob McDonnell and Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. As a Charter member of the Mount Vernon Council #5998 of the Knights of Columbus, he proved time and again that he was a good Catholic and caring individual. He will be truly missed.

Murad Nuriddin

November 5, 2010

To the Governor and the McDonnell Family
My Condolences and Prayers to your Family during this hour of sorrow.

Charles and Elaine Slupe

November 5, 2010

Governor and Mrs. McDonnell and Family
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. He was a true American Patriot.

Eric Wray

November 4, 2010

Bob McDonnell & Maureen Uncapher. Words cannot express my sincere sympathy in which I express to you today. As a Funeral Professional, my constant communication with times like these are paramount. I do share in your sorrows on this day, as often hearing Bob refer to him. In Psalms 90 it states "The days of our years are three score years and ten".That meaning 70 years promised, in which God granted 24 more years. I share in your loss and am here for you and your family in any capacity that I am able. May God bless you and your family during this time.

Eric V. Wray II

Robert Crouch

November 4, 2010

Mcdonnell family-Sorry for your loss. Sounds like the world has lost another steadfast soul, but I am sure he left a lot of himself behind.

Peter & Patty Papadopoulos

November 4, 2010

May he rest in peace, and his memory be eternal. With our deepest sympathies.

Helenmary Reeves

November 4, 2010

Our family will pray for the healing of your broken hearts.

Steve Balsam

November 4, 2010

Jack - Great guy. Jack would call me about once a week to talk ND football, he really had the Irish gift of gab. We'd talk about other things; Emma and his kids - he was very proud of them. I'll miss you Jack. Peace

November 4, 2010

Jack - great guy. He loved ND and Maryland football, and would call me at least once a week to talk ND football. He had the Irish gift of gab and always talked about his wife Emma and his kids. Peace Jack.

Janet Whorley

November 4, 2010

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I pray God will comfort each of you during this time of sorrow.

Theresa Russell

November 4, 2010

My Condolences.

November 4, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathies to the McDonnell family. May the "God of all comfort" be with you.

Danny A

November 4, 2010

To the family of John McDonnell may the God of all comfort give you peace and hope in this hard time. Revaluation 21:3,4 speaks of a time when "death will be no more". A hope that we all are looking forward to.

Peggy Brown

November 4, 2010

To the family: Please accept our sincere condolences. From all members of the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department.

R Golay

November 4, 2010

To the the family of John McDonnell - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Jack will be missed by many.

Lori Otter

November 3, 2010

Hello Governor McDonnell, Greetings from the Great State of Idaho, & Governor Butch Otter and Lori Otter.. We are sorry for your loss. I lost my grandfather on Saturday who was also a WWll vet who was a tanker and served in Pattons Army.. They were a very special breed of man and will be missed by this generation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. Lori and Butch Otter.

Mark Julian

November 3, 2010

So sorry for your loss. My dad was WW2 vetern as well. What a blessing to have been raised by such great men. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Peter Kao and Kim Maloney

November 3, 2010

We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your revered father. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bill Gimbel

November 3, 2010

Governor McDonnell, may our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you and your family.

November 3, 2010

Gov.McDonnell and Family, My Prayers go out to you and your Fasmily. He must have been a very Special man to have raised a Son like you. Helen Glass Forest, Va.

Viesta Washington

November 3, 2010

My deepest sympathy goes out to the McDonnell family. God bless each and everyone of you. John is now at peace.

Wayne and Linda Stokes

November 3, 2010

Our sincerest condolences go out to the McDonnell family at this time of your great loss and sorrow. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories of a father that risk his life, as a member of America's "Greatest Generation", in WWII combat that assured for generations to come the freedoms of our great country--we truly owe him a debt that could never be repaid.

God's grace allowed him to witness his son become the holder of the great state of Virginia's highest office and now may God shed his grace upon you, in your time of great sorrow. Your father was a great man and leaves a legacy that will always be honored and honor you.

November 3, 2010

Gov. McDonnell: My prayers are with you and your family. I lost my mother to Alzheimer's so I understand what you have and are going through. I will remember your Dad and his service to our country as I walk in the Memory Walk in Williamsburg this Saturday. God bless you with peace.

November 3, 2010

To the McDonnell Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sadness. May God bless you and your wonderful family with comfort that only He can give.

SGT

November 3, 2010

To the McDonnell family
Our prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. May God bless you.

Chip & Tricia Chappell

November 3, 2010

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you & your wonderful family. God Bless...

SUSAN ELLIOTT

November 3, 2010

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THIS FAMILY OF THISMILITARY HERO WHO SERVED OUR GREAT NATION IN TIME OFWAR

Graham Wiatt

November 3, 2010

I'm sending my sympathy to the McDonnell family. Peace be with you.

November 3, 2010

My deepest condolences to you and your family. My God bless you.

B.Meiring
Portsmouth,Va.

November 3, 2010

Thank you for your years of selfless service. May your legacy never be forgotten. God be with the family in this time of sorrow.

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Sign John McDonnell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 14, 2010

Carolyn LaChance posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2010

Susan Morgan posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2010

LULA COLLINS posted to the memorial.