Sean C. MacDonnell

2014 - 2022

Sean Christopher MacDonnell eight years old, from Old Saybrook CT, has been called back to heaven. Born on March 23, 2014, Sean is the cherished son of Christine and George G MacDonnell LCDR USCG CC ACADEMY, and the brother of Owen, who is nine years old. Owen was his best friend, and vice versa. They were inseparable by choice. Sean and Owen had a special bond. Sean is the beloved grandson of Susan and Michael Laraia of Old Saybrook CT, and Celia and Greg MacDonnell of Newport RI and great grandson of Irmentraud Rehm-Laraia. He also leaves behind his much-loved Aunties (Molly and Margo), Uncles (Jonathan and Jim), cousins (Zoe, Michael, Luke, and Cameron) and numerous great aunts-uncles and cousins. Those who knew and loved him could not have imagined, that he was only "on loan" to them for eight years and must be returned to heaven. Sean was bright and energetic, with an inner strength that earned him the nickname "Strong Sean". In 2018 he was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of children's cancer, and he began treatment on his fourth birthday. His family adopted the mantra "No Bad Days" and have stayed true that motto every day since. Sean was a quintessential Jimmy Fund Kid, helping to raise awareness of childhood cancers. He was a favorite of Boston area athletes and sports announcers. Dave O'Brien of NESN, referred to him as "a marvel". The Red Sox Organization embraced Sean; during one game, Big Papi emerged from his personal luxury box, in order to meet Sean and his brother Owen, giving them the thrill of a lifetime. He also enjoyed a private tour of Gillette Stadium, where Patriot's Special Teams Captain Matthew Slater met with him. Not to be outdone by Boston, on June 1, 2022, the New York Mets dedicated that day's game as Sean MacDonnell Day. Sean started the game off by throwing out the first pitch to his dad, at Citi Field. Once again, he was invited to the announcer's booth where he met with all-time greats Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. Sean's Old Saybrook community has been unwavering in their dedication to their young native son. Sean has been celebrated by hundreds of people in his community including the Police and Fire Departments and local businesses. The Old Saybrook School System, including both Sean's and Owen teachers, have been committed and dedicated to bringing the gift of learning to these two boys, during these extremely difficult years. The Ancient Order of the Hibernians Division 1 in Newport RI have supported him throughout these challenging times. Sean's favorite place was Disney World, which was his idea of heaven. He loved to learn and had many interests including steam locomotives, planes, and the space shuttle. He loved pretending that he and his brother were Lewis and Clark on an adventure. His true love was the military. He loved battleships and was a WWII aficionado. Sean loved attending the cadet regimental review on Friday afternoons at the USCG Academy in New London CT. He stood tall, saluting as the Flag marched by and listening to the band play "Semper Paratus". In a ceremony at the USCGA on June fourth, 2022, Sean officially became an honorary Chief Petty Officer in his beloved US Coast Guard. Sean will always be part of the Coast Guard and the Academy, as he will be inurned in the Columbarium located on the campus. On August first, 2022, General David H Berger, Commandant of the United States Marie Corps, appointed him Honorary Marine, United States Marine Corps, for his "unyielding support and devotion to Corps and Country". The family would like to thank Dr Natalie Collins MD, from the Jimmy Fund / Dana Farber Cancer Clinic, who remained at the helm with her crew, guiding Sean's medical care throughout this entire journey. They are also grateful to Dr Reza Rahbar MD, from Boston Children's Hospital and Dr Torunn Yock MD from the Proton Beam Radiation Center at Mass General. Hospital. The family is also grateful to Connecticut Hospice, especially to the spiritual specialist Dana, and nurses Chuck and Mike who compassionately cared for Sean and his family and helped to ease them through this passage. While everyone who knew and loved Sean and his family are profoundly sad, we also know that we will all be together again someday, and until that time we will strive to have No Bad Days! A Mass of Christian Burial at the Coast Guard Memorial Chapel at CGA in New London, CT will be held on Monday August 8, 2022 at 11AM. A private inurnment will follow at the Columbarium. As the services are taking place on a military base, attendance will be limited to family, and invited guests. A Celebration of Sean's Life, for all to attend, will be held on Tuesday August 9, 2022, from 12 noon to 3PM at the Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave, Westbrook CT. For those who are unable to attend the observance in Westbrook, there will be a remembrance of Sean's life at The Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave, in Newport RI, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USCG Academy Alumni Association. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral home in Centerbrook. For more information, please visit https://rwwfh.com