Robert Emmett O'Donnell

The kind and gentle Robert Emmett O'Donnell passed away on February 19,2023.
He will be lovingly remembered for his reflections on the many blessings of his life: a loving Irish Catholic family of five brothers and a sister, a devoted wife "Marian the Librarian," of 66 years, a rewarding forty year career as California state auditor and the many warm friendships developed during his lifetime as a San Francisco resident.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Agnes and John O'Donnell on February 24,1924, he grew up in Balboa, Canal Zone in the Republic of Panama where his family moved when he was three. Like his five brothers, Bob participated in all of the Canal Zone school sports, especially competitive swimming.
His work career began in the Mechanical Division supporting the maintenance of the Panama Canal, but he left the Canal Zone to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. After his initial training, he was assigned to Treasure Island in San Francisco, then to Johnson Island in the Northern Pacific in 1945. He returned to San Francisco in 1946 to be discharged from the military and to marry Marion Cahill whom he had met on his first trip to San Francisco. A graduate of the University of California in 1950, he was hired as an auditor with the California State Board of Equalization. During his career, he traveled throughout the West Coast and he retired as one of the board's supervisor's.
Besides an interest in traveling, especially on cruises, both Bob and his wife, Marian, were active in and generously supported various civic and church philanthropic organizations. Of particular interest was his generous support and participation in the Marine Corps League, the St.Vincent de Paul Parish and its Seniors and Men's Clubs, The Young Men's Institute, The Navy League and the Archbishop's Circle plus he enjoyed his participation in Toastmasters. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, his sister and his brothers. He is survived by his younger brother, Thomas of Carlsbad, CA., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob will be interred with his wife, Marian, at the Cypress Lawn Cemetery at Colma, California