NEW BEDFORD -- Michael E. O'Donnell, 56, of New Bedford died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital, after a long courageous battle with a heart ailment.
Born in Providence, the son of Anna (Otto) O'Donnell and the late Col. Charles F. O'Donnell, he relocated to New Bedford, where he made his home for the past 33 years.
Mr. O'Donnell formerly was employed by Mars Stores in the data processing department for nine years. He was retired at the time of his death but was the owner of Grand Illusion Florist for more than 10 years.
He attended Quincy College in Quincy, Ill., majoring in veterinary studies. During the 1960s he taught for the Marian Seminary in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., areas.
He was the founder and past president for 10 years of the Miracle Providers, a nonprofit organization that raises money for children affected/infected by HIV. His organization provides toys and gifts for more than 1,500 children each year, working with local charitable organizations throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. For the past two years, he worked as a volunteer mentor to a local youth group in the New Bedford and Fall River areas sponsored by the state of Massachusetts.
Survivors include his mother; five brothers, Charles, Peter, John, Stephen and Joseph; four sisters, Margaret Appel, Mary Herring, Kathleen Doses and Anne Tyrpak; his companion of 33 years, Leo J. Schick Jr.; 19 nephews and nieces; and 12 grandnephews and nieces.
Funeral at the Wilson Chapel 479 County St., New Bedford Tuesday Oct. 14, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. James Church 233 County St., New Bedford. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.
Donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, Ma. 01701