Richard T. O'Donnell

1943 - 2018

Richard T. O'Donnell
Richard T. "Reds" O'Donnell, 75, of Union Hill, passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, in Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning. He was the husband of the late Karen June (Henninger) O'Donnell, who passed away on Nov. 15, 2012.
Prior to retir-ing, he was em-ployed for 11 years by the Le-highton Area School District as an attendance officer and custodial worker. He previously worked for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 31 years.
Born in Coaldale on Aug. 15, 1943, he was a son of the late James Francis and Margaret L. (Fronheiser) O'Donnell.
He served our country with the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War, having attained the rank of SP5 (T).
He was of the Catholic faith.
"Reds" was an avid football enthusiast and followed the Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" football schedule.
His predominant voice was heard as the announcer for the Lehighton Area High School varsity football games for over 14 years and he volunteered his time with the Franklin Township Athletic Association.
O'Donnell was a life member of Lehigh Fire Company No. 1, Lehighton, the Fairview Hose Company, Jim Thorpe, and the Weatherly Fire Company and a member of American Legion Post 314, Lehighton, where he served as chaplain for the Viet Nam Last Man's Club.
An avid outdoorsman/
hunter, he belonged to the Mauch Chunk Rod & Gun Club and the Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club.
When parting ways with anyone, he could always be heard wishing everyone "Good Luck," "Good Health" and "God bless you and yours."
Surviving are a daughter, Kelly Zeruth of Kresgeville; a step-daughter, Lisa, wife of Stephen B. Everett of Franklin Township; a son, Kevin, and his wife, Alison, of Parryville, a sister, Margaret Skymba of Tamaqua; three grandchildren, Brittany Moyer, Kassidy Shupp and Brady O'Donnell; and nieces and nephews.
He was also predeceased by a son Patrick O'Donnell; twins Shawn and Colleen; three sisters, Rita O'Donnell, Mary Ketz and Doris Smicker; and four brothers, Eugene, Edward, Joseph and James.
Service: Funeral service 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Ovsak Funeral Home, 190 S. Fourth St., Lehighton, with the Rev. Dale Oplinger officiating. Interment with full military honors, Franklin Heights Memorial Park, E. Weissport, under direction of Lehighton Area UVO. Call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, and 10-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26. Contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 968 Postal Road, #110, Allentown, PA 18109. Online condolences can be offered at www.ovsakfh.com.