Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John Patrick O'Donnell
John Patrick O'Donnell
Obituary
Guest Book
John O'Donnell Obituary
He was preceded in death by his father Hugh O'Donnell; mother Anne (Gildea) O'Donnell; brothers Hugh Xavier "Buddy" O'Donnell and James "Jimmy" O'Donnell; sister Margaret "Peggy" (O'Donnell) Coffin; and former wife/friend Patricia (Critchlow) Kennedy.
He is survived by his children Joy Anne (O'Donnell) Delgado and Sean Patrick O'Donnell; his daughters-in-law Karen Marie Delgado and Amy Fortier- O'Donnell; his grandchildren Lily, Scarlett and Fiona O'Donnell; and his former wife/friend Sharon (Amar) O'Donnell.
His family and closest friends describe his spirit as compassionate, selfless, humorous, loving, devoutly Roman Catholic, proudly Irish-American, fiercely patriotic, cheerful, and an exceptional communicator and conversationalist. He loved people watching, journaling, photography, dancing, visiting lighthouses, serving as a hospice volunteer, taking daily meditation walks, praying with and for people incarcerated and/or living with addiction and in recovery, and was actively involved in the Fellowship of the Spirit for almost 60 years of his life (1964-2024).
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and traveled all over the world during his service - commenting that of all the places he visited – Mt. Fuji in Japan captured his heart the most.
He received his Bachelor of Science, with High Honors (Cum Laude) in Marketing and Communications from Kensington University (1984) and was an award-winning writer, editor and reporter with various newspapers including the L.A. Times (1966-1984) and Editor-In-Chief of the Asian News, L.A. (1984-1986). In addition, he served as a freelance journalist for numerous publications including Time Magazine, the Catholic Press, and Penthouse (1986-2000). He also worked as a media consultant to the U.S. Government and assisted in defining the toxic cocktail chemical agents which poisoned American troops in Vietnam (1982). He was a recipient of the Best Feature Writing Award – LA Press Club in 1968 and nominated for Pulitzer Prize – 1968 and 1969.
A celebration of John Patrick O'Donnell's life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced. His final resting place will be at Holy Cross Cemetery ~ 3620 Tilden Ave Brooklyn, New York.
His favorite quote came from Father Padre Pio and is a message he held close to his heart throughout his life, "Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer." A lifelong lover of music and dancing - he requested that everyone remember him when listening and/or dancing to the song, "Spirit In the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum.
In lieu of flowers, any charitable donations may be made:
ONLINE:
Fisher House Southern California: fisherhousesocal.org
In Honor of: John Patrick O'Donnell
Designation: Fisher House Long Beach
BY MAIL:
Checks payable to: Fisher House Southern California, Inc.
Fisher House Southern California
PO Box 110
Long Beach, CA 90801
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Randall D Suit
March 13, 2025
isrish eyes are smiling
Julie O'Brien
November 14, 2024
What a blessing to know Johnny even though it was for a short time. God put him in my life for a reason. Joy told me he was sober in AA. So am I. Right there, we were like family. In the hospital, he peacefully slept while I read to him from the Big Book. I am grateful for Johnny's sobriety. He paved the way for people like me, looking for a life of purpose and meaning. Godspeed Johnny O. I'll continue trudging the road of happy destiny and will surely see you again someday. Love, Julie O.
Morgan Macaluso
November 1, 2024
John had a special way of lighting up any space he entered. His warm personality and incredible sense of humor always made us feel at ease. He treated everyone with the utmost respect--- always exceptionally polite and considerate. His generosity here knew no bounds, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. We will miss seeing him on his nightly strolls, pausing to greet everyone he met with a friendly smile and sometimes even a spot-on impersonation of Elvis. John made this world a kinder, gentler place. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Brad Danks
October 24, 2024
I had the great, great privilege and honor of helping take care of Mr. O'Donnell. He was truly one of a kind. Even as he needed increasing amounts of assistance of his own, his default was to offer help instead of receiving it. I've rarely met a kinder and more generous person. In learning of his history, he spent a life of service to others. That is the John that we all got to know and his memory will forever live on in my heart.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Fr. Athan
October 23, 2024
It feels good seeing someone´s face lighten up each time they hear your voice. That was John O´Donnell´s regular response to my presence. It wasn´t about me exactly. It was about what I offered. I was privileged to offer John (from time to time) Divine presence made manifest in the EUCHARIST. The joy, smile and peacefulness that radiated on his face at every visit were so contagious. Deep in my soul, I felt the love and fondness that John had for Christ, to whom he has return. John was a man of faith and I know he is resting in the Lord.
Annie Tuquero
October 23, 2024
It was an honor to take care of him. I will always remember him with his funny antics and jokes during nursing rounds. He is Mr. see you later alligator, after a while crocodile guy. He is greatly missed.
Robert Estrada
October 19, 2024
Knew John from Rick´s in Alhambra !
Ed Knoop
September 30, 2024
I was honored to be part of Johnny´s life. He was a great man and contributed so much to mankind. He will be missed.
Randall Suit
September 24, 2024
thank God that over 40 years we met John he helped me for eternity
T. Hall
September 24, 2024
Like Maya Angelou said, people will always remember how you made them feel. I will always remember how Pops/John made me feel warm, welcome, and at ease in his presence. His smile and warm spirit were contagious. His faith was strong. He was strong. I am eternally grateful when he had several nuns praying for my infant daughter when she was in the NICU. To this day, I believe it is why my daughter did so well and thrives today. I cherish the memories of the family dinners / lunches we shared over the years. Pop's daughter, Joy, daughter in-law, Karen, and son, Sean, are my spirit family; linked on earth and forever linked in heaven. With honor, I will do my best to always mirror Pop's smile, strength, and caring soul.
Dona Hall
September 22, 2024
Besides bring an accomplished man you are responsible for two beautiful children. I will always remember going to dinner with you and your daughter, Joy. Your smile, your humor and your cheerful' soul has stayed with me throughout these many years. God blessed you with such a rich life. I hope the wonderful memories of you, will surround your family and comfort them during their time of great sorrow at your passing. Joy, your father truly had the Irish twinkle in his eyes. One did not have to know him for a life time to know that he was a terrific man and a wonderful father. You just have to look at you, his daughter.
Leo Garbarino
September 19, 2024
I will never forget you my dear friend . We will be together always. My sincerest condolences to your beloved family
Richard McCloud
September 16, 2024
We met at AA meetings. John loved the program and shared that with new people every time he went to give them hope that they too could have a sober life. I met John in 1991 in Los Amigos in 1991. He spread joy to new people and was affectionate while getting them to smile. He was a warm loving sober man who loved GOD.
Deb Bunting
September 15, 2024
Johnny O´ was a huge part of my early sobriety at the 9416 and I consider him one of my "AA dads". His smile lit up the room when he walked in, his accent and the way he told the story of his sobriety was captivating every.single.time he told it! love you Johnny, and I will dedicate the rest of my sober life to you, Eddie and Frank.
To his family; thank you for sharing Johnny with us. He lit up with joy when he spoke of you! I´m very sorry for your loss; I´m sending lots of love and hugs to you.
Love, Deb
Evva burkardt
September 14, 2024
Johnny was a most amazing man. He helped me so much in program. We used to go dancing at ricks. I'll always remember you
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
883 W. 9th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Make a Donation
in John O'Donnell's name
How to support John'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor John 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
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
