Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium

211 S Main St

Du Bois, Pennsylvania

Kevin O'Donnell Obituary

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.

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

Published by Gant Daily from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin O'Donnell

Sponsored by Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium.

Not sure what to say?





Ooge

June 27, 2025

...still miss you man...

Barbara Kline

December 19, 2024

My deepest sympathies to the family, May our Heavenly Father hold you close.
Mr. O´Donnell was an incredible mentor to me as a student. I was a little lost in the 9th grade and this man was my beacon. His positivity and good humor was a blessing.His on going support helped me achieve many goals. He pushed me to always do my best. If it wasn´t for his kindness and support I don´t believe I would have exceeded as well in school. I am grateful that this incredible teacher crossed my path in life. He was always there to listen and offer advice. God Bless your beautiful soul. God truly welcomed home another angel.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Tony Sheftic

Planted Trees

Mary Jo Hughes

December 19, 2024

Our deepest sympathies to Joanne and family.
He was one of my favorites when I worked at the Club. He was so nice to everyone, and always in a happy mood. It was my pleasure to get to know him and his family. He will be missed!

Chrissy Gray Kirsch

December 17, 2024

Joanne and family I´m so sorry to hear of the passing of Kevin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Denny Johns

December 16, 2024

Rest in peace Kevin, you were a good friend and coach. We always tell the story the night the pending thunderstorm chased you off the field at Hepburnia. Great memories that will be cherished forever. Prayers and condolences to the O'Donnell family.

Gwen Alsbaugh Sheldon

December 15, 2024

Joanne and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Kevin. I remember when you guys first got married. You called me to ask me how to make mash potatoes. You wanted to make for Kevin for a surprise and you boiled them to long. Kevin was a great guy and he achieved so much in his career and lifetime! And always knew who you were and a special hello and a great smile! He will truly be missed by all the people he touched and knew him! Take care of yourself and know that Kevin will always be with you!

Dennis Morelli

December 14, 2024

Coach your legacy lives on with all you have met and come across during your time here.

Rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the family and my wish is that you are surrounded by family and friends who will comfort you during this time.

Susan Harriger Bowman

December 14, 2024

Kevin will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched in so many different ways. I smile every time I think of the `lively´ Kevin I knew over the last 55+ years What a fun sweet intelligent guy he was . See you on the other side buddy. You´re a TRUE ANGEL now.

Marc Wolfgang

December 13, 2024

Was greatly saddened to hear of his passing. Great coach and mentor, will always remember Coach O'Donnell.

Bear Stewart

December 13, 2024

I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Larry Mamula

December 13, 2024

Kevin was a great friend, coach and coworker. I enjoyed the many hours we spent together coaching wrestling, baseball and playing pick up basketball in the Reynoldsville gym. I remember how he was such a good team member on the DuBois Rockets. What a privilege to share time with him. My sympathy to his family Larry. Mamula

Brian Miles

December 12, 2024

Wow Coach! I am deeply saddened to say the least. You were the best man that I´ve ever had the privilege of knowing! NOBODY did for me what you´ve done for me. I am so grateful for everything you´ve done for me. You were not only my teacher, my coach, my mentor. You were my earthly HERO Mr. O´Donnell!!! My heart is heavy but I know that you´re with Jesus Christ today and that is definitely reassuring.... My prayers are with your family. Thank you for being exactly who you were.

Jerry D Flick

December 12, 2024

My deepest Condolences. Hindsight has shown me he was one of the greats in the Classroom and Coaching Mattside.

Jeff & Robin Hever

December 12, 2024

Our condolences to JoAnne and Family for this loss.

Paul Rezk

December 12, 2024

Kevin, thank you for all that you did for the area. My family benefited from your college SAT preparation class, as well as the many contributions you made to golf at the DCC. Your contributions to the youth of our area will reap dividends for generations to come.
Kevin, you will be missed, but now you can work on that 2 iron.

Chad Collins

December 11, 2024

Really shocked and saddened by this. I worked at the country club for years and he was such a nice man. He ran his old Nissan truck right to the ground ha. Every time he saw me he called me "Chadwick". To the family: Kevin was an amazing human being. You will see him again one day

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Kevin O'Donnell's name

Memorial Events
for Kevin O'Donnell

Dec

19

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium

211 S Main St, Du Bois, PA 15801

Dec

20

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish at St. Mary's

Reynoldsville, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium

211 S Main St, Du Bois, PA 15801

How to support Kevin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kevin O'Donnell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored anonymously