John E. O'Donnell

John (Jack) Edward O'Donnell II, 63, of Chicago, IL, passed away surrounded by his loving family, on October 1, 2022, due to complications from surgery. Jack was born on May 22, 1959, in Leominster MA. He was the oldest son of John (predeceased) and Rosalie O'Donnell. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, Laurel Davenport O'Donnell, his son Jack (John III), and his daughters Jesse, Lia, and Lucy. He also leaves his mother, Rosalie, and brothers, Doug, Gregg, and Mark, along with many nieces and nephews. Jack graduated from Leominster High School in 1977, and attended Holy Cross College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.

Jack moved to Chicago where he met his wife. He began his career in sales with a variety of companies ranging from hair care products to temporary services. He joined forces with two buddies from college and jumped into the bar business - starting with Mamie Rileys on Clark Street which evolved into the Hidden Shamrock on Halsted - a business they held for over 30 years and a place where everyone felt the love of the Irish. At the same time, he pursued his passion for sales and chemistry, becoming a manufacturer's representative for Gary Chemical Corporation, a thermoplastic compounding company in Leominster, MA. He also represented many other companies throughout the industry. In 1999, he founded O'Tech Industries in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer. He built O'Tech into a thriving, respected, specialty compounding business with multiple subsidiaries, among them; Color Resource in Leominster, MA and Heartland Boot Company in South Bend, IN. Jack's incredible work ethic and passion for his business were instrumental to his success.

He touched countless lives with his infectious laugh, exuberance, and charisma. You knew that Jack loved you, not because he necessarily said the words, but because you felt it. He had a passion for good food, fly fishing, skiing, Cape Cod, and a recent re-obsession with golf. He especially loved to travel and spend time with his family and his children were the pride and joy of his life. Among his many attributes, he was a loving husband, exceptional father, caring son, and admirable eldest brother. He will forever be missed, and his absence will be felt by all who knew him. Jack was a very generous guy, the first to make a donation, pick up a check, or help someone in need.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.

Please join us in a Celebration of Life at Theater on the Lake on Monday, October 10 from 12pm-4pm, 2401 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60614.

Limited Parking, please consider alternate transportation*