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John O'Donnell Obituary
Montville - John Timothy (Tim) O'Donnell, age 78, of Montville, NJ, died peacefully at home on December 30, 2017 after a short struggle with cancer.
Tim was born in Cincinnati, OH on January 14, 1939 to the late Howard and Anne O'Donnell. He was a graduate of Mtn. Lakes High School and Seton Hall University.
From 1962-1977, Tim was a teacher at the Peck School in Morristown and Mtn. Lakes High School, where he also coached tennis. During this time, he was also an instructor with the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa, and later a Lay Missionary in Kenya, East Africa, at Mangu School.
From 1977-2013, Tim held various jobs in computer sales and non-profits, most notably Executive Director of Cedar Hill Community Development Center (CDC), an after-school program for children of low-income families. In the last few years, he continued his love of teaching by tutoring at Mathnasium.
Tim was an avid sports enthusiast and accomplished skier, tennis and platform tennis player. He especially loved high school sports, including Lakers football and lacrosse teams. He was loved by all for his compassion, generosity, sense of humor, and helping hands.
Tim is survived by his partner of 24-years, Sue Cromwell of Montville, NJ; two brothers, Steve (Janis) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Mike (Virginia) of Mtn. Lakes, NJ; and many other loving nieces, nephews and relatives.
A memorial service and party celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at noon at the Mtn. Lakes Club, 18 Lake Dr., Mtn. Lakes, NJ 07046.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Donnell
6 Entries
John and Nancy Walters
January 21, 2026
Our message from seven years ago still resonates. Tim was always a smiling face at football and lacrosse games and a fun guy to party with. Amazing how time flies.
John & Nancy Walters
Darryl Lynch
October 5, 2023
Obviously I regret not seeking you out before now!. Memories abound re your humor, compassion, tennis, your brave skiing @ Tuckerman´s! `Did relish camping on Mt Washington with your bro´s. You shall remain most special in my memory.
Michael Neuman
April 30, 2018
Tim,
You were soo kind to me as a struggling teenager. You are one one the most selfless and generous people I have ever known. I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You are not forgotten. Watch out for that last mogul my friend.
John Walters
April 2, 2018
Tim was a caring and colorful friend, with a smile always on his face. Though we largely lost touch with him after leaving Mountain Lakes in 1995, we never forgot about him. Clearly one of a kind.
John and Nancy Walters
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February 6, 2018
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Tim, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Malawi.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Dan and Mary Ann Russell
January 26, 2018
Tim you are missed by so many ❤ We were lucky to be part of your family.
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