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Ross O'Donnell Obituary
Ross V. O'Donnell, a longtime resident of Pine Bush, entered into rest with his family by his side on July 12, 2008. He was born in Peekskill, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline A. O'Donnell; his son, William R. Herlihy and daughter-in-law, Amy Herlihy; his daughter, Jennifer Balducci and her companion, Jason Rosenblum; grandsons, Joseph R. Balducci and William E. Herlihy; his aunt, Sgt. Major Mary Sabourin (ret.); his brother, Kelly O'Donnell, wife Judy, and daughter, Jennifer McNew; his sister, Neva Fitzgerald; nieces: Leah Grant and her husband, Thomas Grant, Michele Arrington and her husband, Richard, and Stacy Fitzgerald; nephew, Michael Fitzgerald, and grand nephews, Andrew and Austin Grant and Jacob Elder.
He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Neva O'Donnell and his sister Renee Strang.
Ross was employed by the Orange County Sheriff's Office for 20 years, where he worked as a K-9 Officer with his beloved partner, Cochise. Throughout his career, Ross was also a member of the Sheriff's Honor Guard, Emergency Response Team (SERT), Firearms Instructor, and Lead Training Officer for Corrections personnel. He worked 11 years as a part-time Police Officer for the Village of Walden Police Department. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine Corporal from September 1972 to August 1978. He was a steady volunteer at the Castle Point VA hospital, an investigator for Newburgh SPCA, a member of AMVETS, the Army National Guard, and F&A Masons Lodge #627.
A family statement reads: "Ross was a wonderful husband, father, brother, nephew, and friend to all who knew him. Our family will never be able express our appreciation for the caring support and kindness we received from family, many friends, and the community. We especially offer a heartfelt thank-you to the members and administration of the Orange County Sheriff's Office; Arden Hill Hospital's emergency department, their critical care unit, and the 3rd Floor nursing staff, as well as the Village of Walden Police Department. During this time of great sadness, our family was surrounded by Ross's wonderful friends and co-workers and for that we are eternally grateful."
There will be no public visitation.
A Memorial service in Ross's honor will be held on Wednesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Walden Firehouse, 230 Old Orange Ave., Walden, NY, with Pastor Robert Hewitt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ross's name to: Newburgh SPCA, Castle Point Veterans Hospital, or the Orange County Sheriff's Office - Correction Officers Benevolent Assoc. Welfare & Morale Fund.
Arrangements by White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Rd. (Route 32), Newburgh, NY; 845-562-6550.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross O'Donnell
G. Rogers
July 26, 2008
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the belovèd's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Sandra VanScoy
July 24, 2008
I was sadden to hear about Ross's passing. I was in the choir with him at the Medodist Church in Peekskill. We are very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and I am sure that God needs his help. Our prayers are with you at this time. Sandra VanScoy (Gile)
Lori Keator
July 19, 2008
To the O'Donnell and Herlihy families. I got to know Ross during my time as a Trustee @ Walden. Ross was a gentle, and kind man. He always took time to say hello, and chat, always had a warm welcome and smile. My heart is saddened at his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of such a wonderful human being. God Bless
Jason Stroppel
July 18, 2008
Ross was a great man, and I'm truly saddened by his passing. I remember Cochise and Ross coming to my house when I was a little kid, and I hope all will be well soon during this whole process.
Florene Price
July 18, 2008
To the Family of Deputy Ross O'Donnell. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ross. He was a great guy and I enjoyed the conversations that I had with him while employed at the Sheriff's Office. I will always remember Ross as being the professional that he is. Please known that my prayers are with you all.
Michele Arrington
July 17, 2008
Words cannot explain how much I have & will miss my Uncle Ross for now and always. I will carry a part of him with me forever in my heart and in my memories. I know God has plenty of work for him to do now that he is in Heaven and that he has been welcomed by Grandma Leah, Poppy, Gramma, Aunt Renee, and Cochise.
I am so very thankful to have met my Aunt Jackie, Cousins Bill, Jen, and Amy as well as all of Uncle Ross' close friends at the Orange County Sheriff's Department. I will be eternally grateful for all of their love, comfort, caring, and support that these fine men & women have given to my family during this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Liz Sullivan
July 15, 2008
The qualities of leadership,
Expressed so many times,
Vary in the hearts of men;
But follow certain lines.
One line, of course, is self control;
Another, moral strength.
Disciples of courageous men,
Will follow to great lengths.
Firmness of convictions;
The desire to suceed,
Capturing the thoughts of men,
By sowing but a seed.
All of these combinred in one,
Will make a leading man;
But only on the course he charts,
Can he expect to stand.
Author unknown, USMC
Ross was the most professional, compassionate, gentelman I have had the pleasure of meeting in my career.
I am honored to have known him. You will be greatly missed.
OB
July 15, 2008
I am in shock of hearing about Ross' passing. I worked with him at the Sheriffs Dept. and he was always a quality guy, always very sharp, witty. I am very sorry for his families loss, and will be thinking about the great time we spent together in overnight booking.
Timothy Hitt
July 15, 2008
Ross O'Donnell(OD) was My Teacher at O.C.J. He was Great... Filled with knowledge ,Humor , and Love. I will never forget him....
donna stroppel
July 15, 2008
I am sorry for your loss, Ross was an exceptional person i can remember him coming to my house for dinner and showing up casual in his pajama's, Ross was a great person that always made you laugh and smile you will never be forgotten.
Shawn Barry
July 14, 2008
To the O'Donnell and Herlihy family, Ross throughout his career has always been loved and admired by his fellow officers. He excelled at what he enjoyed, Law Enforcement. Even when he was not working his two law enforcement jobs, Ross volunteered his time to protecting animals. He became their voice and law officer on their behalf. May your sadness be lessened with the knowledge of admiration and respect Ross’ friends and colleagues have for him. Ross has left a large impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know him and he will be greatly missed.
Shawn Barry
Walden PBA President
Karen Vanamburgh
July 14, 2008
O.D. as we knew him was a true friend, gentleman and very fine officer. We all remember Cochise and O.D., they were a team. Dear friend, you will be missed, Our thoughts are with the family.
Dave Serviss
July 14, 2008
To the O'Donnell family,
Ross was the first person I met when I became a CO at OCSO. He performed his duties with the utmost professionalism. He was a great man with a wealth of knowledge that he shared with everyone he came into contact with. Ross was a stand up man and will be sorely missed. He was very proud of his family and spoke of you often. His quick wit and dry comedy will be missed by all who knew him.
Your family is in my thoughts during this grieving time.
Donna Hildebrand
July 14, 2008
The world is a little sadder today because you are gone. I will miss your smile, and your friendship. Thank you for always remembering me when we were at work, for my "cigarette breaks" and
for the talks and the laughs. Oh, and thanks for the chicken. Rest in peace my friend.
Sherri Neiger
July 14, 2008
Dear O'Donnell Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Ross's passing. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Ross was a great and kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him and the many laughs we have shared in the office. May you Rest In Peace "Ross The Boss"
Love Sherri and Rachael Neiger
Eric Metzger
July 14, 2008
I can still see you walking Main Street in any weather, never complaining about anything. You are sadly missed.
Christopher Mele
July 14, 2008
I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew of "OD" through my late fiancee, Carla Carlson, who thought very highly of him and his K-9, Cochise. Carla and Ross worked together at the Sheriff's Office, where she was Cochise's "godmother." By every account and in my few meetings with him, Ross was a stand-up guy and real gentleman. My sincerest sympathies to his family on their loss.
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