On Tuesday, October 18, 2005. Fiance of Caroline Deutermann; son of Philip F. and Constance O'Donnell; brother of Ann (Chuck) Lucas; uncle of Chip and David Lucas; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call at DEVOL FUNERAL HOME, 2222 Wisconsin Ave N.W. (Parking opposite 2233 Wisconsin Ave N.W.) on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Ann's Church, Wisconsin Ave at Yuma St. N.W., on Saturday, October 22 at noon. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barb (Chromy) Taylor
December 8, 2005
Connie and Phil -
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your son's death. I still remember when you called him "Flip" and he was a little blond boy with an engaging smile and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. After I got your letter (which was delayed for several weeks because we moved a couple of months ago and our forwarding mail delivery is still all messed up) I went to my photo album and looked at a picture I have of Connie and baby Phil standing in the Hawaii sunshine. Connie was glowing with the love only motherhood can bring, holding "Flip", who was smiling into the camera with a lifetime of promise before him. My heart breaks that his lifetime was so short, but he's going to celebrate Christmas with Jesus, and we should take joy in that fact.
Scummy Shane Thomas
November 23, 2005
I had never met Phil in person, but was introduced to him via a skateboard message board shared by many who enjoy that lifestyle. He was a pure energy in him comments and I could tell his personality, sense of humor and overall goodwill towards everyone was real and genuine. I feel bad now for not being able to meet such a kind person face to face as it's those kinds of people who enlighten everyone they meet.
R.I.P in peace brother. Let the thunder be your grinds and the lightening be truck sparks.
Bridgitte (Shields) Bailey
November 22, 2005
Phil was a kind soul who kept life in my house interesting to say the least. To this day, we talk about the Thanksgiving when Phil & the QHS Boys were on the roof of my house (supposedly shoveling snow off the skylights).
Whether he was breaking into the house through my bedroom window because he forgot his keys or driving me to Philly for lunch, Phil was a force of nature. We were never, ever bored with Phil in the house.
My deepest condolences to the O'Donnells and to Ms. Puck. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Tidwell
November 19, 2005
All tho, I didn't know Phil Physically, I knew his spirt. We are "brothers from different mothers".. Passoin for skating, AND life was always welcome to the forum I visted.. He will be missed. R.I.P. Mr. Phil.
Chris Piotrowski
November 19, 2005
I had the pleasure of meeting one of the greatest guys ever when I went up to the DC area to skate with some guys from our skateboard forum. Frank introduced me to Mr. Phil and we talked like we had know each other for years. The one thing I can say about Phil is that from the first time you meet him you know you have a friend. We were skating the bowl at Vans skatepark and we talked like we had been friends for years and I had only met him an hour ago. Mr. Phil will be missed and I know he is carving that big bowl in heaven!
Jeff Snavely
November 19, 2005
Last time I was out in Baltimore was for a skatepark fundraiser. We got there early, I was sitting at the bar and Phil came up behind me and scared the heck out of me. Apparently, this was planned by a group of people across the room that got a huge kick out of it. At the end of the night I gave Phil one of my infamous "man hugs" and told him I would see him soon. Its a good memory to carry with me.
Peace and love from the midwest.
Slob-air S&B
November 18, 2005
He will be missed.
JAMES ANDERSON
November 18, 2005
Hi,
I was so shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Phil. My son Tyler and I had the "HONOR" to skate with him twice on roadtrips down to Landsdowne from our home in Long Island, New York. When I first met Mr. Phil he put out his hand and gave me an awesome handshake and the biggest smile. He introduced himself as his screenname "Mr. Phil" and I said my screenname was "COOLSTUFF". He then started to laugh and say "HEY MAN, YOU'RE THE CAKES AND PIES GUY ON SKULL AND BONES". I knew right then and there he was one of the coolest people I had ever met or will ever meet.
Gabriel & Melissa Cantu
November 4, 2005
We will never forget what a wonderful man he grew up to be. He was like all of the good parts of Connie and Phil put together. Dad's good looks and charm, Mom's smarts and kind heart. What a pleasure it was to know him. Connie, Phil, Puck, you are all in our prayers.
Crissy Usher
October 26, 2005
I have known Phil since I was 12. I loved him as a brother and dear friend. The joy and love for his friends is what I will remember most about him.He made all of us individually feel special.This is no small feat, considering who we all are!
As someone who loved him,I was so glad he had Puck in his life. It was the most content and happy I'd ever seen him in life. My thoughts are with her,the rest of his friends, and most of all his family. Phil was a blessing to me and I will cherish my memories of him always.

Mr. Phil
October 25, 2005
Liz Drogula
October 25, 2005
When I spent time with Mr. Phil, I felt in equal parts happy, safe, beautiful and strong. It is a very rare person that can bring out the best of those around them in such a fashion. I will not only treasure every memory, I will thank God for them, because my life is more meaningful for having known him. My heart goes out to Puck, his family and all of our friends.

One of the many times Mr. Phil made me smile ...
October 25, 2005
Elaine Vyskocil
October 25, 2005
Phil and Connie-what a shock to receive your email last night...my love and support go with you always.Remembering when our kids were young and free and always Flip with his big smile from ear to ear....no one will ever forget that...will call you soon. May God be with you and Anne Maries family at the time...love you all...
William Deutermann
October 25, 2005
Phil has been a fixture in our family's life for over ten years. It got to the point that a weekend just wasn't complete without Phil dropping by. I can't imagine a family birthday party, Thanksgiving, Christmas or other event that does not feature Phil coming up the front walk with his "pull toy" - a cooler of beer on wheels - grinding along behind him. Cynthia and I were so happy when he and Caroline announced their intention to marry, and it was so typical of Phil that he honored tradition by formally asking for our approval.
I know that I am not alone when I say that I feel a huge empty space in my life.
Yrs,
Bill Deutermann
aka Puck's Dad
Jennifer Miller Goethals
October 24, 2005
It's hard to imagine a world without Phil O'Donnell in it...a much duller place, indeed. Phil's brilliant way with people showed in how he bridged the great divide between me (goody two-shoes) and my sister (the black sheep) in high school...both of us thought the world of Phil and counted him as a friend...for Katy, he was one of her best friends. Whether it was his intelligence and sense of humor or his daring sense of adventure and offbeat perspective, there was always something to admire and respect about Phil. One of our family's fondest memories of Katy's wedding, years later, was having Phil's company in a room otherwise full of women...Phil was declared an honorary bridesmaid that night just so we could all laugh and philosophize together into the wee hours. Phil was whip-smart, open-minded, sensitive, wickedly funny and unlike any other person I have ever met, before or since...our world has lost a true original.
Phil & Connie O'Donnell
October 24, 2005
We have just begun to read the wonderful tributes to our son. Our family and Puck's family, the Deutermann's,were very touched by the outpouring of love and kindness.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate all the E-mail addresses and you may contact us.
Thank you
Fran Scully
October 22, 2005
I don't even know where to begin. I had the pleasure of working with Phil at the Chevy Chase Club from 1994-1997. He was one of the most articulate, enlightened, and non-judgemental individuals I've ever met. There wasn't a topic he couldn't discuss from cooking to travel to music and he helped me maintain my sanity during the long, cold winters working along the fenceline and by the woodpile at the club. I once told Phil that my husband and I were making Paella for a dinner party. He asked if I knew the correct way to present it (I didn't)--by slamming the dish down on the table in front of the guests. When we decided to do an Oktoberfest for the maintenance staff, I told Phil that we should boil the Brats in beer before grilling it. He took it one step higher and said the beer should be Guinness. One day I asked Phil's advice on naming my first cat. I wanted it to be an alcohol-related name. He asked what color the cat was and when I said black he told me to call it Sambuca. Buca is now 9 years old. My thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Donnells. The world has lost a great one.
Rich Keeler
October 21, 2005
So much to say, so few words. Phil, you have been an important part of my life for the last 19 years. You were my lab partner in 10th grade biology and fellow hooligan for the rest of high school. You didn't let me fade away when I went away to college and always managed to find me for good times on both coasts. You made me laugh. You pissed me off. You were there as a groomsman in my wedding when I started another phase in my life. You were one of the most deep and philosophical individuals I ever met but you were never a downer. You had friends from all walks of life and I know they all miss you terribly. There just is no replacing you.
Brian Marofsky
October 21, 2005
My deepest sympathies go to the O'Donnell family and those close to him. I was Mr. Phil's supervisor at the Chevy Chase Club and he was the most memorable employee I had the pleasure of working with. He will not be forgotten. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie (Cordle) Per Lee
October 21, 2005
Phil was "the" character of QHS. He could bring a smile to every teacher and student alike. Although Phil knew not much more of me than "the tall girl" who hung out with Mike - I still feel an absence with his loss. Mike Cajohn and I have remained close friends and I know how close the two of them are and what a wonderful and long friendship they have shared. My sincerest condolences to Phil’s family, fiancé, and friends and please know his absence is felt a far.
Dianne Higgins
October 21, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Donnell and family
I am thinking of you with deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. I have met "Mr. Phil" on several occassions and found him to be an outstanding you man who will be greatly missed. Stacey's Mom.
Kimberly McDaniel
October 21, 2005
This world is a darker place without the light of Mr. Phil's grin. An authentic gentleman, and truly kind, I will miss him greatly.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more