O'Donnell, Stephen T. of Weymouth, formerly of North Quincy, died at home on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Pamala (Powers) O'Donnell of Weymouth. Loving father of Colin O'Donnell (age13) and Ryan O'Donnell (age 11), both of Weymouth. Devoted son of the late Bernard A. O'Donnell and Margaret G. (Sheehan) O'Donnell. Loving brother of Margie Nolan and her husband Dave of Weymouth, Bernie and his wife Cindy of Gray, GA, John and his wife Kathy of Bridgewater and the late Gerard M. O'Donnell. He was the adored uncle of Mike, Christopher and Stephanie Nolan; Nick, Meaghan and Patrick O’Donnell; Kevin, Robbie, Tom and Bernadette O’Donnell and Hailey Powers and also the proud godfather of Nick and Hailey. Loving brother-in-law of Patricia Lavender of NC. Also survived by many close friends and his cat Leo.
Stephen's family was the center of his life, especially the time spent with his wife Pamala and their two young sons, Colin and Ryan. He helped coach his boys for the Weymouth Youth Flag Football program for four years.
He was extremely proud of his service in the United States Marine Corp. He kept in touch with his veteran friends and attended many services in support of the Beirut Memorial, the last one being the 25th anniversary at Camp Lejeune.
A distinguished member of the Quincy Lodge of Elks, Stephen was one of the youngest Exalted Rulers and led the committee that built the new hall in Quincy. The consummate public employee, Stephen shared his knowledge and support with everyone he came in contact with. He joined MassHighway in 1984, was appointed Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Quincy in 2004, and returned to MassHighway in 2008, leading the effort to integrate four divisions into the current MassDOT Highway Division.
A graduate of North Quincy High School and Wentworth Institute of Technology, he applied his education to become a mentor, leader, and respected colleague.
He was a student of local politics, earning the name “Secret Squirrel” for his uncanny ability to investigate and follow up on details necessary to move a job forward.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed all the local Boston teams. He will be remembered for his courage, dignity and attention to the needs of others.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2- 6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, QUINCY.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8:30 AM on Monday, September 20, 2010 prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth Landing at 9:30 AM.
Burial with full Military Honors at 12:45 PM in MA National Cemetery, Bourne.
Donations in memory of Stephen may be made to Pathways to Healing, 516 North Bedford St., East Bridgewater, MA 02333 or Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780. .