Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joe O'Donnell Obituary
Joe O'Donnell, Jr. passed from this world on December 4, 2023, at the too young age of 54. He died suddenly and unexpectedly from heart failure and appears not to have suffered. Joe, or Joey as he was called by many of us, grew up in Deerfield, IL. He attended Holy Cross Elementary School and Deerfield High School. Joe is survived by his mother, Mary O'Donnell; his sisters Mary Jo O'Donnell Cook (Rob) and Anne O'Donnell Kelly (Tom); his nieces Kelly (Greg Walor) and Laura Cook; his nephews Sean (Carli), Donald and Peter Kelly; and cousins and friends and countless grateful students. A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10 am, both at Holy Cross Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joe O'Donnell Jr. Scholarship fund, Attention Lee Valdez, St. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Ave, Chicago IL 60625
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe O'Donnell
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Dayvon Bennet
November 19, 2025
Mr O´Donnell was probably my favorite person ever apart from my own parents he´s so kind and fun to be around.
Mason
December 4, 2024
The goat. Rest in peace Mr. O'Donnell.
Jayden Nguyen
December 14, 2023
I was in his homeroom and he told us most about his stories and i enjoyed them and is shocked that he left too early. RIP Mr O'Donnell
Zara Whittig
December 9, 2023
Tears... Tears..... Tears...... and more
How you can show support
Judy Meister
December 8, 2023
Thinking about you and your family at this difficult time. I hope you find some comfort
in the good times and life you shared.
Judy Meister
John Chivington
December 7, 2023
Hi
Goerge Washington
December 7, 2023
he was amazing......i cant believe hes really gone !
Tate Million
December 6, 2023
Mr. O'Donnell was my math teacher. Always willing to help. So kind and calm. When I heard the new, I immediately started bawling, because once someone passes they never come back. I am positive he is in heaven doing what he loves: Teaching and Math. Thank you, Mr. Joe O'Donnell, for being the best math teacher I have had in my lifetime.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Memorial Events
for Joe O'Donnell
People and places connected with Joe
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joe's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joe O'Donnell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
