BOSTON… James P. O’Donnell, 68, of Somerset passed away Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital following a long illness.
Born in Newburgh, NY, he was a son of the late John and Beatrice (Farrell) O’Donnell and had lived in Somerset for the last 5 years.
He was the companion of Claire Ouellette of Somerset.
Mr. O’Donnell was a 4th and 5th grade teacher at the Mildred H. Aitken School and the George R. Martin Elementary School, both in Seekonk, for 25 years before his retirement in 1996. He graduated #1 in his class at Providence College in the Master’s Program, was an avid New York Mets and New York Giants fan, played basketball for Barrington College while he attended school there, coached many of his children’s sports teams including basketball, softball, and little league and enjoyed reading, theater, walking, nature and traveling.
Along with his companion, survivors include his daughter: Kathleen Schaller of Gainsville, FL, his son: Kevin O’Donnell of Bristol, RI, his former wife: Susan O’Donnell, a granddaughter: Taylor Burns, 2 sisters: Joan Wilson of CA and Eleanor Willis of SC, 1 brother: John “Jack” O’Donnell of MD, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Richard, Edward and William O’Donnell.
Memorial Service to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 4 PM at the SOUTH COAST FUNERAL HOME, 1555 Pleasant St. Fall River. Memorial visitation will be ¬¬-–Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. O’Donnell’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ATTN: Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072 Pittsfield, MA 01202.