William Charles O'Donnell

William Charles O’Donnell was born on April 23, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey.  He was known to his family and friends as “Bill.”

He is survived by his wife, Helen O’Donnell; sister, Elizabeth Odonnell; sister, Virginia McMorrow; brother and sister-in-law, David and Dorothy O’Donnell; brother and sister-in-law, Arthur O’Donnell and Tess Kelly; sister and brother-in-law, Monica and Henry Hubbard; brother and sister-in-law, Owen and Amy Goldstein; mother-in-law, Jennie Komlos; sister-in-law, Marie Komlos; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Darryl Griffin; and sister-in-law, MaryAnn Komlos.

Bill Attended St. Henry Grammar School and Bayonne High School in Bayonne, New Jersey.  He graduated high school in 1966.  He attended Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey and graduated in 1970.  Bill earned his Masters Degree in 1968 from Boston University.

Bill worked at Mt. Loretto in Staten Island, New York where he was an elementary school teacher for three years.  He taught sixth grade for three years at PS #3 school in Bayonne.  He taught various elementary school grades on American Army Bases for the Department of Defense Overseas Dependents Schools in Germany for thirty-two years.  He also volunteered teaching adult religious education at the chapel on the Base.  Bill was a dedicated teacher with a witty sense of humor which the students and staff loved about him.

After retiring from the DoDDS school system Bill and his wife, Helen, moved to Morristown, TN where he taught writing classes at Walters State Community College.

Bill also volunteered at West Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, and religious education teacher at St. Patrick Church.  He served on the Lochmere HOA board for two years.  He was also a landscaping volunteer for the Lochmere Commons area beautifying the grounds.

Bill enjoyed planting flowers especially in his yard.  He had a good eye for color and design and the neighbors regularly commented on the beauty he created.

Bill made a difference in many people’s lives.  All who knew Bill knew that he was a kind person, a caring husband, and a loyal friend who loved to make people laugh.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Morristown.  A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Adam Royal officiating.  Interment will follow in Jarnagin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to St. Patrick Church Religious Education Program (2518 West A.J. Hwy., Morristown, TN  37814), Cross Catholic Outreach Donation Processing Center (P.O. Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168), Wounded Warrior Projest Donor Care Center, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541).

Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.

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