John Joseph "Jack" McDonnell

John "Jack" Joseph McDonnell, 93, formerly of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and Feasterville, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026. Born on February 23, 1932, Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his humor, warmth, and love of family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances Alma Parell McDonnell. He was the son of the late John Joseph McDonnell and Gertrude Erb McDonnell Nagele.

He is survived by his children: Karen Lee (James) Drakos, John Joseph McDonnell III, Kathleen O'Callaghan (Andy Brown), Brian James (Joanne) McDonnell, and Gregory Charles (Beth Ann) McDonnell, former son-in-law, James O'Callaghan, along with cherished grandchildren Justin, Eric (Katie), Melanie, Nicole, James Ryan, Brian James (Rachel), Joseph (Jessica), Samantha, Madison, and Jade; great-grandchildren Evelyn, Adalynn, Kayleigh, Michael; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Jack moved to Feasterville, PA, at age 12 and graduated from Lower Moreland High School, where he served as class president and excelled in sports, including baseball, football, and basketball, captaining the 1950 championship basketball team. After graduation, he worked over 40 years at the Philadelphia Electric Company and proudly served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 with the 7th Infantry Division, 7th Signal Company.

Jack met Frances in 1955 and married in 1956, and together they raised five children while sharing a love for community and family activities. He coached Babe Ruth baseball, cheered at countless CYO games and swim meets, and enjoyed hosting and participating in family events that brought everyone together.

Retirement brought Jack and Frances to North Myrtle Beach, where they enjoyed more than 25 wonderful years of beach living - golfing, happy hours, relaxing by the ocean, and spending cherished time with family and friends. Jack especially loved swimming in the ocean and teaching his grandchildren to body surf, savoring long summer days outdoors, and creating joyful holiday traditions. He treasured his golf cart rides with the kids, a special tradition he continued right up until the day he moved from Myrtle Beach.

Christmas was especially meaningful to Jack. He delighted in decorating the house for his family's arrival and making sure hot Krispy Kreme donuts were ready to greet everyone. Every Christmas Day featured his favorite meal - HoneyBaked ham, potatoes, pineapple stuffing, and plenty of desserts - followed by lively games around the dining room table. True to form, we can still hear him asking, "Is the coffee ready yet?" as he eagerly waited for the desserts.

Jack's family takes comfort knowing he is joyfully reunited with Frances, his lifelong love, and his spirit will live on in the laughter, stories, and traditions he created with everyone who knew him.

Jack's family will receive friends on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until his Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. His interment will follow the Funeral Mass and take place at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visitation Monastery, 14 Beach Road, P.O. Box 432, Tyringham, MA 01264, where his aunt was a cloistered sister for more than 50 years.