Hugh Joseph O'Donnell

HUGH JOSEPH O'DONNELL, devoted father, brother, uncle, son, and cherished friend to many, passed away unexpectedly on November 13 at the age of 60 in Bay Village, OH. Hugh was born on March 20, 1965 in Cleveland to Kevin and Margaret "Peg" O'Donnell. His mother, Peg, passed away following his birth. He was later lovingly adopted by Marion Ellen Blydenburgh Patterson O'Donnell, who married his father after Peg's death. Hugh then became the youngest of eight children, affectionately known as "Baby Hughy" to his large Irish American family.
Hugh spent his earliest years learning about the world in Seoul, South Korea while his father Kevin served as Director of the US Peace Corps. Hugh would frequently joke that his subtle speech impediment came from his upbringing in South Korea.
He attended kindergarten and first grade at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Maryland. After the family returned to Cleveland, Hugh lived in Lakewood and attended St. Luke's for second through fifth grade. He often recalled walking to Lakewood Park from their house to play with friends and family.
When the family later moved to Bay Village, Hugh attended St. Raphael for sixth through eight grade. There he met several of his lifelong friends and continued to attend Mass through adulthood. Both of his children were baptized at St. Raphael, a place that remained important to him throughout his life.
One of Hugh's greatest joys in life, was being a Bay High School alumnus and resident. A loyal member of the "Band of Brothers" soccer team, he graduated with the class of 1983. To many Bay High students, Hugh and his older sister Megan, were known for hosting memorable gatherings at the "beach house" on Lake Road.
After high school, he moved to Florida and attended St. Leo College. Proud of his involvement on campus, he was a brother of the Sigma Beta fraternity and president of the American Marketing Association. He graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing.
Hugh returned to Cleveland to begin a career in banking, and most importantly, to raise his two children Connor Hugh and Margaret Ann, alongside his former wife Amy O'Donnell-VanWagnen. His devotion and love for his children was evident to everyone who knew him. They were his greatest pride and joy in life. A close second were his dogs who accompanied him throughout his life.
In his final years, Hugh found peace in simplicity. He enjoyed making small talk at the local Speedway for his morning cup of coffee, walking in nature throughout Bay Village with his dog, lending a helping hand to friends, and contributing to the Cleveland Metroparks at Huntington Beach, a place he loved.
Hugh is survived by his two children, Connor Hugh O'Donnell of Las Vegas, NV and Margaret Ann O'Donnell of St. Petersburg, FL; his four siblings: Susan (Ross) Dicken of Nederland, CO, Michael (Leslie) of Lakewood, CO, John (Masumi) of New York, NY, and Megan (Patrick) Patton of Chagrin Falls; and his dog, Millie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his three siblings Kevin O'Donnell Jr., Maura O'Donnell-McCarthy, and Neil O'Donnell; and his beloved dogs, Brittany, Reilly, and Lacey.
Hugh was the proud uncle to 13 nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 4th at McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH 44145.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30am, Friday, December 5th at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 525 Dover Center Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140 (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions, in Hugh's name, to the Cleveland Metroparks, or taking time to help clean up a local park in your community.