Michael L. McDonnell
Michael L. McDonnell
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He was born in Lockport, NY on July 25, 1946 to the late Leonard & Dorothy (Sherrick) McDonnell. Mike received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in 1968. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Following his military service, he earned his Master's Degree in Hydrology from the University of New Hampshire. Mike retired from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard after working for over 25 years as a Nuclear Engineer.
In 2002, he married his best friend Ida, in Key West, Florida. Together, they built a life full of shared adventures and cherished moments. Mike had a true passion for life's exhilarating moments. He felt most alive either skiing on the mountain slopes or on the water at Milton Three Ponds, behind the wheel of his many fast cars, feeling the hum of the engine, or exploring new horizons through his extensive travels. His love for the open road was matched only by his deep appreciation for music and dance. Mike simply enjoyed being the first and last one on the dance floor at any gathering. These were the activities that truly made his spirit soar, and his family and friends have countless stories of his love for speed, travel, and a good beat.
Besides his wife, Ida, he is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer McDonnell and her companion Dimitri Katehis, of New York City, Kathleen McDonnell and her companion Matthew Temple II of Dover, NH; his four treasured grandchildren, Taylor, Julien, Kieran and Cormack; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia & William Linnemeyer of Manlius, NY.
SERVICES – A Graveside Service will take place at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH in the Spring of 2026. Arrangements are in the care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Bob Fiandaca
Yesterday
I met Mike at PNSY in the nuclear engineering department where we both worked. Mike was one of the most respected people in the department who was often sort out because of his logical and common sense way of addressing issues. As time went on Mike became my supervisor where I found him to be one of the most supportive bosses I ever worked for and I always knew he had my back. Mike and I became good friends because of the many interests we had in common. We socialized a lot and in 2010 we got a group together and we all went to Italy and Sicily. It was a fantastic trip. Both Mike and Ida became good friends of mine which they showed unselfishly after my wife died. Each week they would drive over to my place on Mousam Lake in Shapleigh ME from Milton Three Ponds in Milton NH and cook supper for me. The generosity and compassion they showed me when I was going through a difficult time was overwhelming which I will never forget. I am sure I don´t have to tell both Mike´s family and our Shipyard family we have lost a good husband, father, brother and friend. You will be missed Mike! I send my heart felt condolences and sympathy to Ida and Mikes family. Rest in peace my friend.
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