Peter G. O’Donnell, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, died on Thursday, October 6, 2005, at his home after a courageous six month battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
Peter was born in Boston and grew up in Charlestown where he attended St. Mary’s Grammar School, Christopher Columbus High School and graduated from Charlestown High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and conducted his advanced degree work at Boston State College.
Upon graduation from high school he entered the United States Navy, where he served four years as a Hospital Corpsman. A Peace Corps volunteer, he later served the Federal Government as an electrician at the Boston Navy Yard, and upon the closing of the Navy Yard, he began a career in law enforcement as a Somerville Police Officer. After receiving a disabling injury, he was medically retired from the force and turned his attention to teaching. He returned to his alma mater, Charlestown High School, where he taught various subjects. In 1994, he took a position as an instructor at the International School in Northern Chile. It was here that he met his wife, Julia. Upon his return to the United States he returned to the Somerville Police Department and retired. He was most recently employed in the Security Department of Emerson College.
Peter is the devoted father of Peter Michael and Hugh of Charlestown, and the loving husband of his wife, Julia. He is the beloved son of the late John and Helen O’Donnell, and the beloved brother of the late John, Bernie and Hugh and is survived by his sisters Mary Doherty, Ann Collins both of Charlestown, Helen Morrissey of Medford and his youngest brother, Colonel James P. O’Donnell, USMC (Ret), of Stafford, Virginia. He is the beloved uncle and grand uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.
Peter’s Funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. form the Frank H. Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown at 10:00 a.m. Relative and friends are invited. Visiting hours for Peter will be held Monday, October 10, 2005, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.