Joseph P. McDonnell

McDonnell, Joseph P. MIDDLETOWN, Conn. Joseph Patrick McDonnell, age 46, of Middletown, entered into eternal rest following his courageous fight with leukemia on Friday evening, September 24, 2010, in the loving presence of his family at Hartford Hospital. Joe was born on St. Patrick's Day in 1964, and raised in Schenectady, N.Y. He was a graduate of Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons High School, class of 1982. Joe's hard work and perseverance in academics and football led to the award of a scholarship to attend Norwich University (Northfield, Vt.) where he continued to play football. Joe graduated from Norwich with a B.S. in business in 1986, later completing an accounting certificate at Siena College, and a MBA at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. A resident of Conn. for more than 20 years, Joe was employed by Hamilton Sundstrand as a subcontracts manager in Windsor Locks, Conn. Joe was predeceased by his brother, Thomas J.; his father, James J. and most recently by his sister, Kathleen A. McDonnell. Survivors include his mother, Elizabeth A. of Schenectady; brother, Kevin F. (Tammy) of Niskayuna, N..Y; and sister, Eileen M. (Robert Fairley, Jr.) of Albany, N.Y. Joe was the proud and loving uncle of Conner J. and Hannah E. McDonnell. Joe leaves behind many special cousins, friends, and aunts - Mary Healey and Susan Murtha. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him. Joe appreciated nature, and his introduction to the outdoors began at an early age while camping with his family at Lewey and Indian Lakes in the Adirondacks. Later in life, Joe pursued his love of the ocean and took up sailing. Joe spent many good times with family and friends vacationing in Cape Cod, when the perfect summer day ended with a beach fire, a grilled dinner, good company, and perhaps a viewing of Jaws - one of his favorite movies. Joe enjoyed the camaraderie of his peers and spent many afternoons and evenings tuned into "God's team" - the fighting Irish of Notre Dame, or the New York Yankees. Words can not express the void left by Joe's loss. We will miss his stories and effusive charm; the sparkle in his eyes, and the dimples revealed by his beautiful smile. Joe's family would like to express their most sincere appreciation, gratitude and commendation for the loving care administered to Joe by Dr. Robert Siegel, and the wonderful nurses and staff on the Oncology and Palliative Care Units at Hartford Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Bliss 5 Oncology/Palliative Care Units at the Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, or the charity of one's choice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral which will begin Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union Street and at 10:00 at the Church of St. Madeleine Sophie where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.