Kenneth F. O'Donnell

Brielle - Kenneth F. O'Donnell, 71, of Brielle, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home peacefully. Ken was born to Jean and Herbert O'Donnell in Neptune, NJ. He grew up in Neptune City, NJ where he could always be found playing sports, especially baseball and basketball. Being signed to the Kansas City Royals Organization out of high school, Ken began a very successful career. He traveled playing minor league baseballfor 5 years before returning back to his hometown. Ken graduated from Monmouth College and went on to become a teacher, coach and mentor at the Neptune Middle and High Schools. He married the love of his life Karen (Kratson) on August 26, 1973. They were married for 47 years and raised 3 wonderful children. Throughout Ken's career at Neptune he accomplished several feats. As a player, he was selected as All-Shore and All-State in baseball and basketball. As a coach, he left a legacy with his leadership, dedication and passion for all his players. Throughout his 43 year career with Neptune he coached several sports including boys soccer, Varsity baseball, and Girls and Boys Varsity basketball. In 1984 his girls basketball team won their first NJSIAA Group championship. In 2002 and 2009 his boys basketball teams won NJSIAA Group championships. He was inducted into the Neptune High School Hall of Fame as a coach and a player, as well as the New Jersey State Sports Hall of Fame. Ken is the only Jersey Shore coach ever to win state championships as a boys and girls Varsity basketball coach, and one of the only coaches in the state to accomplish this feat. After his retirement Ken went on to coach the Hillel Yeshiva Boys Varsity Basketball team where he led them to successful seasons. Ken was predeceased by his parents Jean and Herbert O'Donnell and brother Herbert O'Donnell Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Karen O'Donnell; sister Barbara Johnson; children Kevin O'Donnell and wife Amy, Sean O'Donnell and wife Beth and Lauren Behnke and husband Greg; his grandchildren Katherine, Matthew, Ava, Maya, Jack and Finnegan; and many other family members.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 2pm-8pm at Francioni, Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home, 1200 10th Ave, Neptune.

A 10:30am mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Asbury Park. Interment will be private. For more information visit http://www.ftl-funeralhome.com

In lieu of flowers you may send donations to the American Heart Association https//www.heart.org/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth O'Donnell

Sponsored by Francioni Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home Inc - Neptune.

38 Entries

Linda Robertson

June 8, 2025

What a wonderful man, he touched my life.

Kevin Gannon

June 8, 2025

It´s incredible but yesterday here in NC i saw a man and had to look twice because he looked exactly like Kenny. It stopped me in my tracks and i immediately thought of my good friend over so many years. I truly hope you Karen and family are doing well. I never forget all of you and i too think of Kenny so often. Sending all my thoughts and love.

Lisa Jones

June 8, 2023

Kenny O! The lessons you taught me as my coach still impact my life today! Thank you for being a kind hearted man with a great sense of humor and a little smirky smile. Holding on to memories is a great way to celebrate the life lived....Grateful that I spent 5 years of my life under your coaching style. Thank you, rest well.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Pennell

October 18, 2021

Dear Karen and Family,
We have thought of you and Kenny so many times over the years. Russ was so saddened to hear of Kenny´s passing. Russ played baseball with Kenny at Neptune High. He admired him so much. He has followed his accomplishments over the years. We used to come see you after we moved to Massachusetts. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with you, and your family.

CRAIG SULAITIS

July 6, 2021

So sorry to hear about Kenny. We were in Florida so we missed the wake and funeral. Kenny RIP YOU were a GREAT MAN AND YOU WILL BE MISSED MY FRIEND. THANKS FOR EVERTHING YOU DID TO HELP THE YOUTH AT THE SHORE !! CONDOLENCES TO YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY

Steve Cutillo

June 27, 2021

Karen and kids,

I am so saddened to hear of Ken's passing. From the time we first met in school there was a great connection that grew into a lifelong friendship. When Ken took the boy's coaching job and asked me to give him a hand I witnessed his calm steady demeanor as he grew into the job. Although many years have passed, I will fondly remember those years with a smile on my face when I think of him..RIP my friend...

Dana Mansfield

June 25, 2021

When I first met Ken he was in fifth grade. Even then it was apparent he was a length or two ahead of the rest of us and from reading here that continued into his adult life. May God be with his family and loved ones during this difficult time as He is with Ken.

Elliot Braha

June 22, 2021

To Mrs. O’Donnell and Family,
My sincerest condolences. Kenny and I met in the late 80’s after my family moved to the area in 1987. I became involved in the Deal Sephardic Youth organization (now called DSN) and reached out to Kenny for help organizing a youth basketball summer program. From the first I recognized the fine character of Kenny O’Donnell. He demonstrated the character traits we wanted our youth to develop— respect for others, hard work, fairness, and humility. He was a role model—basketball was the vehicle but it was the lessons of life and how to behave which were the purpose. Throughout the years we shared experiences— helping with the Hillel Yeshiva Varsity championship team 1992-1993 along with Joel Rishty, and many times we saw each other when he reffed my children’s and grandchildren’s games— every time we greeted each other with it brought back great memories. Kenny had a no nonsense exterior but all knew how deep his care was for all who entered his world. On behalf of all those who learned under Kenny from the Sephardic and Hillel community I would like to express our profound gratitude for everything Kenny has done for us. He will certainly be missed. Sincere,
Elliot Braha

Shirley B Parker

June 22, 2021

I was a colleague of Kenny O' Donnell whose heart for young people was so evident in his classroom and on the basketball court. It was my pleasure to work with him at Neptune High school and as a parent, to witness his coaching skill and development with his girl's basketball team who soared under his leadership. My daughter was one of his fortunate participants. Thank you O'Donnell family for sharing Kenny with the staff, the students and the teams.

Joan Brady

June 20, 2021

I am deeply saddened by news of Kenny O'Donnell's passing. Way back when I first met him in third grade at Roosevelt School in Neptune City, I knew that he was someone special. Rest in peace, my friend, and know that the world is a better place because you were in it.

Lawton Morro

June 20, 2021

I am so heartbroken to learn of Mr O’Donnell’s passing today. He was not just a neighbor, but like family to us on Locust Road. I will always be thankful for everything he did for my parents and for my sister. May heaven be calm and comfort for you now.

Lawton M

June 20, 2021

Tony Graham

June 19, 2021

Shocked and saddened . Regret I was unable to attend viewing. Terrific coach, leader, & role model. Always a gentleman.

Kevin Gannon

June 18, 2021

Please add me to the hundreds of KennyO’s incredible admirers. I am so upset for Karen, the family and ALL of us because Kenny had a calming presence that can not be imitated. I honestly can call him my good friend because from my Soccer days, RKE , New Jersey Gravel and Sand Kenny always came to see me to “ catch up “ on our lives and families. When he calmly spoke to me and looked me in the eyes I always knew he really cared. I had so much respect for how he handled everything especially continuing to spread all that mulch by himself during his “free time “. Kenny’s free time was always spent doing for others and to me that was his greatest attribute. We live in North Carolina now but my thoughts, Daily Mass, and tears shed this past week has been emotional for me. I am so sorry Karen but you were ALWAYS there for him and you were a beautiful couple. God Bless ALL of you and when it seems like everything is caving in on you just remember that calming stare and smile from our great buddy! Kevin & Ellen Gannon.

Lisa Jones

June 18, 2021

Coach O'Donnell made a huge impact on my life as I spent 4 years of high school with him on the girls basketball team. I was honored when he brought me in as a freshman and we won the Girls State Championship. He taught me alot of skills I used on and off the court as a young adult. As a coach, his demeanor was quite but firm and he was well respected. I enjoyed the many times his wife, Karen welcomed our team into their home for celebratory game wins & pizza night. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see him years ago during the Neptune Hall of Fame induction ceremony weekend. Thank you Ken O'Donnell! My sincerest condolences to Karen and their children, Kevin, Sean and Lauren.

L Hamilton

June 18, 2021

Rest in Peace! Neptune finest! Will be truly missed.

Linda Robertson

June 18, 2021

Great Teacher, Great Coach, Great Mentor, Great Man!
RIP Mr O’Donnell
The Robertson Family

Abe Dweck

June 17, 2021

Greatest guy I ever met, best referee, he gave me every call, I met Kenny on the jersey shore when I was about 18, 19 years old playing basketball at the JCC down in Deal NJ, he refereed most or all our games for a good amount of years, after the league stopped , he started to referee our community tournaments, he always had nice words for me as a young player, I'm gonna miss you Kenny... I'm gonna tell you in all the years I played basketball, over 25-30 years, Best Ref Ever.
Miss you already, not gonna be the same seeing you ref the games anymore, rest in peace my friend.

Abie Dweck

Charles and Teresa Pruitt

June 16, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the entire family of Coach/Teacher Ken O'Donnell. Ken had a friendly personality and was a kind man. Hold onto your precious memories. May He RIP.
The Pruitt Family

The Grossmann family

Sent Flowers

Henry Shalam

June 15, 2021

I knew Kenny from approximately 30 years ago while he was reffing games in our community, and more recently over the last 10 years or so while he has been umpiring our Softball games on Sundays.
Kenny was a phenomenal person, kind, sweet, I always had a great deal of respect for him, as he was a quiet guy but had a real presence about him. He was a class act. I will truly miss him. As a community we owe Kenny a great deal of gratitude and respect for all he has taught us, and shared with all of us including the youth through the years. i sincerely thank him and want you to know he was a fine gentleman and will be dearly missed. May he Rest In Peace and may the O’Donnell Family be consoled with only good memories.

Cheryl Wright

June 15, 2021

To the family and friends of Mr. ODonnell sorry for your loss.Such a great person and a kind soul.He was my history teacher and my sons basketball coach.May you Rest Easy.
Condolences Cheryl,Tim Wright

Jim Ogle

June 15, 2021

Great person, great athlete. The real deal. Classmate NHS ‘68. Condolences to his entire family.

Jim Ogle

June 15, 2021

Great person, great athlete. The real deal. Classmate NHS ‘68

Michael T Lake

June 15, 2021

Dear O'Donnell Family, The entire Neptune School District family wants to extend their condolences on the passing of Ken. He was a wonderful educator who dedicated his entire career to the youth of the NTSD we also are grateful for his coaching and mentoring of hundreds of student athletes. It was my distinct professional privilege to share in many of his accomplishments on and off the court making the NTSD recognized state-wide as an outstanding school system and community. Sincerely, Dr. Michael T. Lake

joseph lucas

June 15, 2021

To the O'Donnell family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at such a sad time. Ken was a great person and will surely be missed.
Joe and Michele Lucas

American Heart Association

June 15, 2021

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Gerri C. Popkin

June 15, 2021

Remember riding bikes as kids with him, Bobby, and all the kids on “ the Ridge “ in Neptune City. It was a pleasure and an honor to cheer for him at Neptune, he led us to so many wins. And, such a wonderful coach and role model, for so many kids. Always a gentleman and great person. Sincerest condolences to Karen and his entire lovely family, Gerri Chappell Popkin, NHS ‘68.

MaryAnn Smith

June 15, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mike Paduano

June 15, 2021

Coach O’Donnell was a total class act. He will be missed. I played soccer for him for just one season. What a great man. My condolences to his whole family.

Tony Bunn

June 15, 2021

You always had my back and that is something I will never forget. You will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the O’Donnell family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace my friend.

Krissy Suckow

June 15, 2021

I loved seeing Mr. O’Donnell all summer long along with Karen. He was always a joy to see and be around. He will certainly be missed by me and many others. Your family is in our prayers.

Craig Wagner

June 15, 2021

Kenny was a fellow ball player at Carton’s field in Neptune City and on the Neptune High School team. He was the best natural baseball player I remember and just a great all-around athlete. Along with that he was a great kid and grew up to be a great guy period. I moved away after high school but my sister kept me up to date on his years as a successful basketball coach and would see him from time to time. Another great person from a great town of Neptune City. Condolences to his family. I only wish I could have spoken to him at some point over these past many years. Kenny was the type of person many of us aspired to be.

Bob Woods

June 14, 2021

Please accept my condolences

May Kenny Rest In Peace And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him

Tom Manzo

June 14, 2021

A man who was an icon in so many ways.
A man who was respected and gave respect
A man who always looked to help others
A man with a genuine smile
A man who always led by example
A man who truly cared about others
A man who really appreciated life
A man who was all about family
A man with although a troubled heart was a big hearted person
A man you can talk about forever
A man who will be greatly missed

All of us are empty for losing such a man
Someone we can all aspire to be
Rest in peace my friend
I will always remember how good of a person you were.

God bless the O'Donnell family during this most difficult time.

Diana Macolino D'Ambrosi

June 14, 2021

I was stunned by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the O'Donnell family in your time of grief. Heaven has another angel.

Jennifer Dinkjian Cremen

June 14, 2021

Mr ODonell may have been a legend in athletics but to me he was a legend for the amazing man he was and friend to me. I am beyond heartbroken that I will never get to see him again but know that he will forever be watching over all he knew. Prayers to Karen, Kevin, Sean, Lauren and their families. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Jennifer Dinkjian Cremen

June 14, 2021

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