Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O'Donnell-affectionately known as "Coach" or simply "K.O."-passed away on December 10, 2024, leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication to family, students, athletes, and the community. He was a devoted husband to JoAnne Royer, a loving father to Danny and Davey, a proud new grandfather to Kevin Richard, and a lifelong caretaker of the many cherished pets that brightened his home.

Born on January 11, 1950, in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, to Eugene and Hilda O'Donnell, Kevin was part of a large, close-knit family of four brothers and three sisters. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Bernard, and sister Mary Scott, he is survived by his sisters Judy Rowan and Nancy Gray, as well as brothers Jim "Red" and Eugene "Ooge." Kevin's athletic talents were evident during his youth at Reynoldsville High School and later at DuBois Area High School. He was a member of the undefeated 1966 wrestling team and a District IX champion in wrestling. After graduating from DuBois in 1967, he continued his wrestling and baseball careers at Clarion University, majoring in education. He later earned a reading specialist certification and master's in education and industrial labor relations.

Kevin's teaching began at North Star High School in Boswell, Pennsylvania. He later taught in the Curwensville School District before returning to his alma mater, DuBois Area High School. There, he guided countless students through College Prep Reading, helping them prepare for the SAT and the broader challenges of life.

In 1970, Kevin began coaching as an assistant wrestling coach at North Star. He soon assumed his first head coaching position at Curwensville, where he mentored two-time state champion Davey Irwin. Returning to DuBois in 1980 to lead the Beavers wrestling program, coaching numerous District and Regional champions, and in 1988, helped Eric Whitehouse achieve a 6th-place finish at the state level. After another stint as head wrestling coach in 1992, during which the team achieved a stellar 12-0 start, he shifted focus to baseball, assisting the DAHS baseball team and leading several teams to District IX championships and a runner-up finish in the 1992 state baseball championships. In 2000, Kevin took on the role of head golf coach at DuBois, guiding his team to multiple titles and helping Matt Guyton secure a top-ten finish at the state championships. Although he officially retired from teaching and coaching in 2004, Kevin's passion remained undiminished. He joined WDBA as a wrestling analyst and later channeled his commitment into reviving the Penn State DuBois golf program.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kevin enjoyed playing golf and card games and spending time with friends and family in DuBois and Little River, South Carolina. Loyal through good times and bad, he was a steadfast presence for those he loved. Kevin, A proud Irishman, enjoyed exploring his ancestral homeland, particularly County Donegal.

Kevin O'Donnell lived a life defined by integrity, perseverance, and compassion. In the classroom, he molded inquisitive minds; on the mat and the field, he fostered champions; and in the broadcast booth, he enlightened audiences. Still, his warmth, generosity, and ability to uplift everyone around him genuinely set him apart. Whether offering guidance, sharing laughter, or inspiring someone to transcend their comfort zone, K.O. left an imprint that will endure. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, colleagues, students, athletes, and countless others-forever reminding us of a man whose genuine humanity shone through in all he did.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4 – 7 PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10 AM from Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish at St. Mary's in Reynoldsville, PA with Father Ben Daghir as celebrant.

Burial will take place in Morningside Cemetery.