Published in the March 5, 2018 edition.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — John Michael O’Donnell, 71, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Londonderry, N.H., and Wakefield, Mass., passed away peacefully in the loving presence of family on February 26, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas G. and Elizabeth O’Donnell. He is survived by his dearly beloved wife and best friend of 50 years, Angela (Mercier) O’Donnell, daughters Christine O’Donnell (Nikki) of Clearwater, Fla., and Annmarie Woods (Kevin) of Manchester, N.H.; and granddaughters Julianna and Ashleigh Woods, of Manchester, N.H.; brother, Thomas O’Donnell, Jr. of Severna Park, Md.; and sisters, Marilee Cunningham of Harpers Ferry, W. Va.; Diane Harmon of Saugus, Mass.; Betsy Rogers of Wakefield, Mass.; and Sue O’Donnell of Clinton, Maine; and many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
John was born in Newburyport, Mass. on March 26, 1946. He grew up in Wakefield. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Upon completing his tour of duty, he married the love of his life, Angela.
After a long career in the engineering field, John then became a real estate appraiser while living in New Hampshire and continued in this profession upon moving to Florida until his retirement.
Family was most important to John. He was very proud of his granddaughters, who were the apple of his eye. John and Angie greatly enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He loved golfing, playing pool, watching football games and could often be found discussing current events over a beer with friends. He had a wide circle of friends in both New Hampshire and Florida. John was a true gentleman with a caring heart and an infectious smile. He will be dearly remembered and missed by all.
A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 9, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, Fla.
