Obituary of Francis O'Donnell

Francis John "Jack" O'Donnell, 87, of Lanoka Harbor, passed away peacefully at his daughter Karen's home on Monday, January 5, 2015. Jack, son of William and Mary C. O'Donnell, was born in Cranston, RI on July 18, 1927. He attended St. Michael's School and graduated from LaSalle Academy High School in Providence, RI in 1945. He then entered the Merchant Marines until 1948. On returning, he attended Providence College. He graduated with degrees in Letters and Philosophy in 1952. Jack was an active member of the debate team and he continued to love a good debate for the rest of his days. In 1951 Jack married the love of his life, the late, Jeanne Carolyn Greene, also of Cranston, RI. The love they shared has been and will always be an inspiration to those they leave behind. He is survived by six children, J. Karen Geiger and husband Joseph, John and wife Tina, Robert and wife Lydia, Mary McIntyre and husband Thomas, Elizabeth Smith and husband Dave and Michael; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with two more due shortly. Jack is survived by his beloved sister, Esther Connelly of Providence, RI and was predeceased by brothers, William, Edward and Robert. In 1952, Jack began his career in the copper and brass industry, working for both, United Wire and Wolverine Tube. In 1974 Jack started High Performance Tube, Inc., Martinsville, NJ, a manufacturer of titanium finned tubing. He worked there with sons John and Bob until his retirement in 1997. Jack and Jeanne moved frequently due to job transfers, and lived in RI, NJ, NY, MI and AL. After retiring, they settled in Panther Valley, NJ. They lived there for seven years and then moved to Brick Township. Seven years later they relocated to Whiting, NJ. Jack and his wife traveled extensively, including many trips to Europe. For years they spent summer vacations at the RI shore visiting family. In their retirement, they spent many hours strolling the various boardwalks at the Jersey shore. Jack will, perhaps, most be remembered for his unwavering faith. He fearlessly worked to "make disciples of all nations" Mt 28:19 even when it was very difficult to do so. He was involved in many Catholic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Human Life International under Fr. Paul Marx, Lagatus and the Holy Name Society. He was also involved in Dale Carnegie Training and enjoyed golf. Visitation hours will be Wednesday, Jan. 7th from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 8th from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9 a.m. at the All Saints Chapel of ST. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard St., P.O. Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222 www.ChurchInNeed.org For information, directions and condolences, go to manchestermemorial.net