Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Edward J. O'Donnell
Edward J. O'Donnell
Obituary
Guest Book
Edward O'Donnell Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Born in Newport on July 31, 1948, to Edward O'Donnell Sr. and Gertrude (Alsfeld) O'Donnell. Edward is the brother of Thomas, father of 2 sons, Brian and Kevin and 1 grandson, Ray.
Edward devotedly served his country as an officer in the U.S. Army. His military career included valuable time stationed at Ft. Riley, KS, and extensive training at The Defense Language Institute, which preceded his plan of deployment to Germany.
Upon his discharge, Edward relocated to Florida, pursuing the opportunity to fish throughout the year. It was here that he started his second career in social work. After moving back to Rhode Island to be close to family, he started working for the State of Rhode Island as a social worker helping families and children in need. In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Edward was an accomplished photographer, known for developing his own film during the 1970s, capturing moments of beauty and tranquility which often echoed the serene experience of his fishing adventures, and he was always the first volunteer to be the official photographer at any gathering.
Edward leaves behind a legacy of love for his country, nature, family, and friends remembered as a man of discipline and joy, seamlessly merging his military precision with the gentle patience of a fisherman and artist. He truly loved all and wanted to help all.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the O'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM in St. Augustin's Church, corner of Carroll & Harrison Ave, Newport. Burial will follow at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S. County Trail, Exeter, RI.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to Newport Mental Health who help people who need help most.
Https://www.newportmentalhealth.org/support-us/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
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.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
465 Spring St., Newport, RI 02840
Make a Donation
in Edward O'Donnell's name
People and places connected with Edward
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Edward'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 Edward 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
