David O'Donnell
David O'Donnell
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David O'Donnell Obituary
He was unstoppable from the time he learned to run − not walk − at 10 months old.
Although Dave was born in Northeastern Pennsylvania, he grew up on the shores of Margate, N.J., which he adored. There he started his affection of everything outdoors, night fishing on the bay to hiking in Suscon.
He moved to West Pittston at 19, to join his family. Not long after he became a server of spirits (bartender) at Nono Linni's Italian Restaurant, Plains Township, perfect for his fact-filled mind and gift of conversation.
He joins his parents, Patrick J. and Mary Reynolds O'Donnell, and a brother, Dan.
David leaves many, many friends and relatives: sister, Eileen Galenty, and brother-in-law, Stan Galenty; and nephew, Ryan O'Donnell.
Dave was able to leave the gift of his blue eyes. They were not broken. Cheers!
A memorial service will be held in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, at a time to be announced.
Arrangements are by Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, West Pittston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jamie horen
September 23, 2022
Hello. Just heard of Dave's passing. We were in grade school together and I only have fond memories of David. He was warm friendly and someone who I knew would be a lover of life. It saddened me learning of his passing and I know God has a wonderful place up in heaven for him.
Rachel Zaccagnino
June 4, 2014
I will always miss you and you will always hold a special place in my heart. You were a father figure and role model for me and some of the things that bring me the most joy in life were inspired by you. The beach, hiking, wherever I go, there you will be.
Gretchen Berenato
February 24, 2014
I have many memories of Dave with my son Bill and their friends as young boys in Margate. Dave was the one who managed to get Bill home after he suffered a concussion at Jerome Ave. playground when they were 11 years old, and I was always grateful for that. I was so happy when he called me out of the blue a couple years back. We became phone friends, laughing about the old days and complaining about the meds we had in common. My heart cried as he told me pieces of his story in our talks since then...in my mind's eye he was still a little boy, going through so much pain and suffering. Dave, I want you to know that you were on my mind constantly in the few days before I learned that you had passed away. I felt the need to call you but I was dealing with my own health issues that week, and I'm sorry for that. I truly wish your life had taken a different path, but I'm glad our paths crossed, and I'll be looking for you when I get there. I wish your sister Eileen and her family my best. Rest in peace.
James Neely
February 23, 2014
Even though I had never had the pleasure of meeting Dave in person, I could tell how great of a guy he was over the phone. It was nice talking to him because I didn't even know him and he was always wondering what was going on with me. That was special to me and I will never forget it. Even with not knowing the face of Dave, I know he was a very strong, nice, and funny person. I will always remember the joy he brought to Dad when he would talk on the phone with him. He will be missed forever but I know he is in a better place now. RIP friend.
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Katie Neely
February 4, 2014
Although I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Dave in person, I was able to speak to him on the phone a few times. It always made me feel special knowing that you cared about what was going on in my life, Dave, even though we never spoke face to face. You were, and always will be an important part of our family, being one of my father's oldest, greatest friends. The stories Dad shares with us about you and the times you two spent together are always a joy to listen to, mostly because of the smile it brings to Dad's face. Although your loss is a sad time for us, it is relieving to know you no longer have to live in pain and are able to finally rest peacefully in Heaven. We will miss you Dave, your memory will live on forever. RIP my friend.
Christopher Neely
February 3, 2014
I never had the chance to meet Dave, but I feel like I knew him vicariously through the stories I heard from my father. Dave, we had a few phone conversations, and I always saw how excited my father seemed to hand the phone off to each of the Neely family members.
Although none of us really had to pleasure of meeting you in person, we were all able to hold up conversations for long periods of time, and I think that says a lot about the kind of person you were, because even though you were going through so much pain and hardship, you were selfless, and always were interested in hearing about different details of our lives, which made us all feel special.
Although your human form has left us, your spirit will live on in our home, radiating those positive vibes each of my siblings and I felt during our conversations with you. Although it is a heart wrenching event, I am happy to know that you have been released of your pain, and through the sadness, that knowledge makes us all smile. Enjoy the afterlife Dave, rest in peace.
Kelly Catrambone
February 3, 2014
You are finally at peace Dave, whole again, no longer broken...& probably wreaking havoc up there the same way I remember you & Bill when we were growing up. It was so great when you found me on FB 3 yrs. ago...& then you finding Bill. It meant so much to him to have you back in his life...his old, good friend! You were always loved by my whole family and although our FB conversations will be greatly missed, I know that you are now in the best place you can be. Slán mo chara, go dtí go gcasfar le chéile sinn arís! Missy
Frank Monturano
February 2, 2014
Although I didn't have the opportunity of knowing Dave as an adult. I do remember him as one of the cool friends, my brother Bill had. He always called me little Neely, which I was proud to be called! I was so happy the he and my brother were able to re connect after so many years and reminisce over the good times they shared as youngsters. RIP Dave and thank you for bringing joy and happiness to my big brother! Little Neely
Hallie Neely
February 2, 2014
Although I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting one of my dad's greatest of friends, my siblings, mother and I all had chances to get to know him through phone conversation and hearing endless stories of their childhood. Dave, you were very important to my dad and therefore very important to our entire family. This is a hard loss for all of us. I know you're forever free of anymore pain and misery, and forever filled with love and happiness. We miss you and love you and will never forget you. Rest in peace.
Dave and his 3rd grade class. Photo provided by Keith Strenger.
Bill Neely
February 2, 2014
Dave in 3rd grade, Union Ave. School, Margate
Bill Neely
February 2, 2014
Above Dave (center) is Lenny Spaeth, & top right is Mike McCormick, top left is Anthony Salvatico, all junior high friends in Margate.
Bill Neely
February 2, 2014
Dave from our 8th Grade graduation picture.
Bill Neely
February 2, 2014
February 1, 2014
Dave was a great guy he was best friends with my older brother Bill , we all grew up in Margate. Dave was always another Big brother too me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family .You will be missed Brother..
Linda Neely
February 1, 2014
I have been trying to find the right words to write to someone I never had the chance to meet but spoke to on the phone and over the computer many times. Dave, in the last two and a half years, you have become an important part of our family. We have enjoyed the many stories Bill has shared with us about your childhood together. I enjoyed our talks but I especially appreciate all the time you and Bill spent together on phone talking about so many different things. I was looking forward to our whale watching cruise together next Fall. Bill and I will definitely take that trip some day in your memory. You will live on in our hearts forever. You fought a long hard battle, it is now time to Rest in Peace, my friend!
Will Neely
February 1, 2014
I've never had the chance of meeting David, but this man was truly an inspiration for all of us. Rest in peace my friend, we love you, and you will be missed. -Will
Kathy Morris
January 28, 2014
Prayers go out to his family and to my bro-in-law, Bill Neely who cherished his long and laugh filled conversations with Dave.
I hope he's running around like crazy now and keeping everyone in good spirits. RIP.
Bill Neely
January 28, 2014
One of the best days of my life was the day my old friend Dave came back into my life 2 years ago, and we were able to pick up right where we left off over 30 years ago. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together since, just as I have always treasured the time we spent as boys making our own fun however we could. Dave was his own real person, and my true friend, and I'll miss him.
John Oakes
January 27, 2014
Dave and I were childhood friends in Margate. We had many good times together. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Max Benjamin
January 24, 2014
Eileen: So very sorry to hear about your brother-Our sincerest condolences...Max & Audrey
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509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston, PA 18643
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