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Kevin ODonnell Obituary
Tallahassee - Outdoorsman, photographer, guitarist and people person Kevin ODonnell, 60, of Tallahassee, passed away peacefully April 10, 2020. With a gentle smile on his face and his wife by his side, he ended his yearlong battle with multiple myeloma.
Kevin was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He graduated with high honors from SUNY Oneonta with a degree in political science and moved to Florida, where he earned his J.D. with honors at Florida State University School of Law. Kevin retired from the State of Florida after more than 30 years of distinguished service, primarily specializing in state and local tax law.
Kevin was a member of the "Sloths" running group and enjoyed hiking and cycling trips with the group. Known for his keen intellect and quick wit, Kevin remained close friends with his FSU Law School buddies, thoroughly enjoying in-person gatherings, Seminole road trips, and periodic poker games. He photographed local sports events through his business, KO Pictures, and was also on the sidelines for FSU's football and baseball games.
Most importantly for Kevin, he made time for the people he loved. He was a proud father, beloved husband, cherished friend and active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. He served his community through his work with the Boy Scouts, coaching youth sports teams, with Manna on Meridian and on the board of Lutheran Social Services of North Florida.
Kevin was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Thomas and Mary ODonnell, and brothers Gene and John. He is survived by his wife, Barb; sons Kyle (Kat), Robert and Michael; brothers Tom (Joan) and Joe; granddaughter Shire; many nieces and nephews; and Barb's extended family.
Kevin's family thanks Big Bend Hospice for its excellent care during Kevin's final weeks, and thanks the medical staff at TMH Cancer Center, who treated him after his diagnosis.
In light of the safety measures for the coronavirus, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lutheran Social Services of North Florida or Big Bend Hospice. And enjoy some time outdoors - on one of the many Tallahassee trails where Kevin loved to be.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin ODonnell
Sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat.
6 Entries
Debbie Rivenburg
April 20, 2020
Dear Barbara and all of the family,
It was a privilege to have known Kevin as a colleague. He was a very kind and caring person. I am thankful that I was able to see you and Kevin at the recent Hartsfield chorus fundraiser, and will always remember his smile and his sweet spirit shining through his twinkling eyes. My deepest condolences. You are in my prayers.
Denise Vandiver
April 19, 2020
I remember Kevin when my son was in Troop 10 with his sons. He was such a nice person and a great dad and one of the great parents working with the troop. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. It is such a loss.
Nicholas Bykowsky, Jr.
April 19, 2020
I had the pleasure of working for many years with Kevin in Florida state government, as an Assistant Attorney General for Florida in the Tax Section (later renamed the PC "Revenue Litigation Bureau") - at OAG-Tallahassee. He was an outstanding state and local Florida tax resource to my litigation practice at OAG-TLH, he had a leading role in implementing the Florida communications services tax, and I always enjoyed his thoughtful and benevolent legal support as well as his often wry and ironic sense of humor that always let to successful tax litigation on behalf of the State of Florida. We will never forget the hotel sales tax cases with a rogue bunch of new (and misguided) lawyers from South Florida and the long legal war ending in final victory upholding the tax assessments against all odds. He will certainly be missed. Really. May God bless his family and all who worked with him.
Tracy Treanor
April 19, 2020
So very sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. I have great memories of him and Barb - they were such a wonderful couple. My deepest sympathies to Michael and Barb and their families.
Bebe Blount
April 19, 2020
I have wonderful memories of working with Kevin. He was always such a professional with a great sense of humor. So sorry to learn of his passing.
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