Michael A. O'Donnell

Michael A. O'Donnell passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2025, in his home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Born on Dec. 19, 1955, to Francis E. and Margaret C. (Cadden) O'Donnell, Michael joined his older brother, Francis (Dubber) as the second son born into the O'Donnell Clan before welcoming sisters, Margaret (Peggy Sue) and Lori.

By birthright, Michael was initiated into the "Broadway Gang" of Jim Thorpe, which brought with it many wonderful memories of growing up with the neighborhood kids and their families.

Michael graduated from Jim Thorpe High School in 1974. He found a love of the game of basketball under the direction of head coach Randy Rabenold. He also took with him a love of photography.

Most proud of his Irish roots, Michael was an avid Notre Dame fan and was also a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Jim Thorpe. In addition, he was also a devoted Philadelphia sports fan.

Known as "Doc," he spent his early years working as a lifeguard at Mauch Chunk Lake and the YMCA. He also tended bar at the American Legion Post on the East Side of Jim Thorpe. He had many stories of customers who became family.

For the past 22 years, Michael opted for the simpler life and traded the snow for sand. He followed Fran to the beach and decided to call Jacksonville Beach home.

Upon arriving in Florida, his first job was at an oceanfront hotel - a dream job for his surfer-life motto. Later, he took a job at Trader Joe's where the spirit of the store matched his personality. Michael biked many beach miles to work and back only to end his day leaning his bike against the side of Ragtime Tavern in Atlantic Beach and having a hearty stout. Michael enjoyed his time as a Floridian, but Jim Thorpe was always his "home."

Michael loved his family; he was proud to be an O'Donnell and of Irish descent. He was most proud of the title "Uncle Michael." He had two loving nieces, Kristin & Keri, two great-nephews, Cadden & Carter; and great-nieces, Cecily & Vivienne.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Fran and Margie; and sisters, Peggy Sue and Lori. Surviving in addition to his brother Francis are nieces and great-nieces and nephews; and many Cadden and O'Donnell cousins.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 180 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. Interment will follow Mass in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Jim Thorpe. Call 10-11 a.m. Friday, April 11, in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be sent to the Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, 12 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, made out to The Peggy Sue O'Donnell Memorial Foundation, c/o Michael A. O'Donnell in the memo line.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times News on Mar. 31, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Donnell

Sponsored by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

9 Entries

Claire McGinley

April 10, 2025

Dubber, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly, Claire McGinley

Betsy Ohl Searfoss

April 7, 2025

Dubber, Know I am keeping you in my prayers. Memories do help you through. God Bless all of you, Betsy

Cathy Boyle Sommers

April 2, 2025

Dubber and Family
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your brother Michael. He was such an awesome guy. He always had a smile and a story to tell! He will be missed by family and friends. Rest in peace. Take care and God bless

PATRICIA MULLIGAN

April 2, 2025

I remember Michael growing up on Broadway, when he was just a little boy we lived next door to the O'Donnell's for many years. The family were all good people, Michael was a sweet kid. My sympathies to his family members.
Trish Mulligan

Keith and Carole Bellhorn

April 2, 2025

Dear Dubber and family,

We were so sorry to hear of Michael's passing
He was very young when we moved away from the old West Broadway neighborhood. He was a very friendly boy and so like the rest of his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Your old neighbor,
Sincerely,
Keith and Carole Bellhorn

Nancy Dennis Kruslicky

April 1, 2025

Dubber, your brother will always hold a special place in your heart.

kim mayor

March 31, 2025

I met Michael in seventh grade always such a kind person we always remained friends and close throughout our high school years. We went to student council dance together in seventh grade and Dubber drove us to and from. Always a friend and always a very kind man who treated women well. But that is not unexpected as I met his dad, his mom and his two sisters as well in seventh grade and they were always so warm and loving to me. Peggy Sue and I always kept in touch over the years and she would send packages to me to San Francisco from my parents and would always write a loving note on those packages to me. honor Val 2004-ish over the holidays she was delivering packages and joan and I happen to be home for the holidays it was so great to see Peggy Sue and ask about Michael and Dubber as well. What a wonderful family. What a great lost to all of us . And always interesting conversations with Michael he was very smart and of course now I know why all the boys in high school love sports now that I´m into basketball and baseball. back then I think it was only in 10th grade that they started basketball for girls and before that it was cheerleading majorette and fire drill.

Jean Gillespie Hinton

March 31, 2025

Dubber, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. May the beauty of the sands of Jax Beach and the waves of the ocean carry your memories of Michael.

Walter Boyle

March 31, 2025

Dubber and family, I´m so very sorry for the loss of Michael. What a great guy! A lot of wonderful memories from W Broadway and in the Hibernians.

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