McDONNELL, Francis M. Of Needham, January 9, 2019. Beloved husband of Marybeth (Taylor) McDonnell for 46 years. Cherished father of Elizabeth McDonnell and Justin Leeming of Newport, RI, Kate and Sean Tynan of West Roxbury, and Melissa and Jared Emond of Needham, and grandfather of Nolan and Reagan Emond, Zachary Leeming, and Caroline Tynan. Brother of Helen Smith of Woburn and the late Anne Boyle, Gregory, John, James, and Philip McDonnell, and also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Born on January 22, 1945 to Gregory and Anne (Kane) of Cambridge, MA, formerly of Galway, Ireland. Frank was the loving husband of Marybeth (Taylor) McDonnell since 1972. Frank was an active man who loved the plumbing trade he represented for over 50 years. He founded McDonnell Plumbing & Heating, Inc., a Needham based company that services the Boston and Metro-west communities and took great pride (even in the weeks leading up to his illness) in the service he and his employees bring to their customers. He was a dynamic member of the PHCC of Massachusetts and strived to bring quality education to the plumbing and heating trades. He took pride in his work and was an industry go to for solving puzzling plumbing scenarios. When not plumbing, Frank could be found travelling with Marybeth, participating in a Needham Exchange Club activity, an event hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 1611 or most famously in his rocking chair on the porch of his cottage in Humarock enjoying the ocean air and watching his grandchildren play while catching up with good friends. He was a great friend to all who met him and will be sorely missed by many.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 9:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham, at 10:00 am. Visiting hours on Monday, Jan. 14 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Frank’s memory to the PHCC of MA Scholarship Fund.