James McDonnell

1952 - 2023

James "Jesse" McDonnell, 70, of Vandergrift, died Father's Day, June 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. Jesse was born in County Mayo, Ireland, Dec. 5, 1952, and grew up in Sligo, Ireland. In 1977, he traveled to the U.S. and met his future wife, Patti, in Pittsburgh. They eventually settled in Vandergrift to raise their family. Jesse worked a variety of jobs, including oil rig worker, coalminer and paralegal, before returning to school in mid-life and becoming a teacher-librarian at Franklin Regional High School, where he also enjoyed coaching the mock trial team until his retirement in 2019. Those who knew Jesse appreciated his good nature and passionate and enthusiastic spirit. He loved time with his family, motorcycles, Irish traditional music, walks in Northmoreland Park, volunteering at the Vandergrift Library and reading. He was also a lifelong supporter of labor rights and social justice causes. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Mary McDonnell (nee O'Mahoney) and Edward "Eamonn" McDonnell; as well as his sisters, Margaret and Nora McDonnell. Jesse is survived by his wife, Patti McDonnell (nee Roberto); children, Ruairi (Georjette) McDonnell, Marie (Clint) Baun and Maddalena McDonnell; his grandchildren, Vincent and Anthony Baun and Deirdre and Maeve McDonnell; brother, Edward (Josiane) McDonnell; and a large and beloved extended family of in-laws, and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 in the BRADY-CURRAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 429 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Please join the family as they honor Jesse's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jesse's memory to the Vandergrift Public Library at www.vandergriftpubliclibrary.org/donations-support/, or to the PA Innocence Project at https://painnocence.org/donate. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.