Terry O'Donnell Obituary

Happy 60th birthday my brother. I miss you!!!

I miss you my real true love. Thank you for making me a better person. You'd be so proud of our amazing kids-they are my whole life and I have you to thank for them. Please continue to watch over all of us. You're forever in my heart.
Always & Forever,
Jill

Miss you

Hey Dad,

I don't know if anyone or you will ever see this, but I missed you and figured this might be one of my best bets to talk.

I was thinking the other day that if I got one more chance to talk to you what I would say. At first I thought I would ask you to show me some of your dance moves; I'm always being told I got mine from you. Then I thought I would just sit and tell you stories of the past 9 years (wow)... Then I realized I would tell you I love you, sit back and let you talk. You have lots to catch me up on.

This time of the year gets hard on everyone. Mom doesn't like to show it because she doesnt want to upset me or Aidan, but I know it really is hard on her. She misses you, we all do.

I beat myself up more and more everyday trying to remember the smallest things about you. Its been so long, I have trouble even remembering the sound of your voice. Its not fair and its my fault that I cant remember. I want to spend a day just sitting with someone and talking about you, but its hard to bring up. I dont even know who I would bring it up to. I wish you were here to tell me who is just a good person to talk to.

I hope more than anything that I am making you proud Dad. I work so hard, I only hope I am doing my best for you and mom. I love you unconditionally and i will never stop.

Xoxo, Riley

4 years dear brother... and still thinking of you everyday...

still miss you every day....

still miss you every day....

It has been one year today, and not one day passes where I don't think about you. Miss you brother!!))

dear Jill, Riley and Aidan,
Jenn got married to LeRoy today!!!! I wish you could have been there. It was amazing.
Luv,
Danielle

Dear Jill, Riley, and Aidan,
We were so shocked to here about Terry's death. Words can not express the sadness we feel about your loss. We remember Terry always smiling and joking. He is missed by many. We hope your wonderful memories and time will bring you peace as the days move on. Please lean on those around you. We only wish we were able to attend the services to pay our repects. Patrick and I hope to see you all soon. Know you are in our prayers.
Love,
Patrick, Celeste, Sydney, and Thomas Foley

still miss you every day...

Brother,

Thanks for the push. I couldn't have done it without you.

Jilly

Jill, Riley and Aidan -
It's taken me a long time to be able to put something here in writing for you...
Our hearts broke for you on the day we heard you lost your dad and husband. It's a sadness that cannot be explained. Terry had so many different fine attributes. He has left his mark on our family's lives. Our kids will grow up but will never forget "Mr. O'Donnell's" non-stop smile, the laughter he brought to all of us, the playtime he shared with both of our kids and his mutual love of the 'Fighting Irish'! ND Seasons and game days on Honey Hill won't be the same without Terry checking in with us on the games.
I can't end without telling you this - Terry's tie he was wearing meant more to Terry than you may ever know. When he got his (tie) gift for (Father's Day)? He ran across the street displaying/wearing it proudly exclaiming that he had the greatest kids on earth. "Just look," he said "Isn't this just great"! And he meant it! He was so proud of the tie, but even prouder of his 2 children. I hope knowing that his love for you was so strong that over time it will ease the pain of your loss and fill your hearts with warmth and hope for the future. We will miss Terry. May God bless you 3 always and may God bless Terry. Love, The Orrico's

I am very sorry I just found out about Terry, I would have liked to have paid my condolences. There are so many good memories I have about Terry. I am sure eveyone who knew him has just as many good memories. I will always remember him as a good friend and mentor. I attached two photos from my wedding were Terry was the ring leader of the party. I will miss him alot.
John McAdams

still miss you like crazy....

To the O'Donnell Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.

The Johnsons of Bensenville

Still thinking about you all the time Ter.. we miss you and love you and wish you were here..

I hear tears of a clown almost every day now..
( one of your top 5's).. That's not really a song that is played too much, but I'm guessing you find a way for me to hear it all the time.

Hope everything is wonderful with you and mom and everyone else up there... we sure miss ya down here.

Your favorite sister... you know which one..

happy late bday terry!

I still miss you everyday

Happy Birthday dear Terry, Happy Birthday to you :)

i can't belive it's been a month already since he left us. I miss him more everyday. I just wish with all my heart that my brother has found the peace that he needed to find. I love him and miss him terribly.

Even though I have written in here before i can't stop thinking about my Uncle Terry. Every time I am sad I think about Terry which almost makes it worse, but then I got to listen to my I-pod and then I look at the pictures of Terry and Aidan & Riley which I just think about how many lives Terry touched. I knew that if I ever had a question thsat needed answering I could ask terry. May he rest in Peace with my Grandma Sharon. Also love to Aunt Jill and Riley and Aidan.

To The O'Donnell Family,

My deepest sympathy to ALL of you! Death presents many emotional challenges and when one of our loved ones slips away from us so suddenly we are left with many unanswered questions, the sadness of not getting to say goodbye the way we would have liked and the empty hole left in our hearts. These same feelings my entire family shares with all of you. May your angels wrap their arms around you and comfort you with love. May you begin to fill the empty hole in your heart with fond memories of Terry, the goofy things he did to make you laugh and the love he gave all of you the only way he knew how!! One day your family circle will be reunited and this too shall pass. God Bless You All and May Every Day Bring You A Little More Laughter Than The Day Before.

My Love Is With You All....Especially Mr. O'D, Terry's Wife & Kids.... Special Love is being sent your way!!

To Terry's family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out about this today. I was a year younger than Terry at Driscoll, and always remember how nice he was, and what a great personality he had. I am sure he will be missed.

Jill,
I would like to extend my belated and deepest heartfelt sympathy to you, your family and Terry's family. It was indeed a tremendous loss of a great man. May you find new strength as each day passes. My thoughts and prayers will remain constant with You, Riley, Aidan and your families.

Take Care!
Most Sincerely,
Teri Fash
(mother of Kristy Gelardi)

Riley and Aidan,

I was so sad to hear of your loss. I know you both are most saddened and will miss your Dad more than we can possibly understand.I really wish there was something that I could do; to make these times easier for both of you. Try to focus on the fun times you shared together.Your Dad was a great man & a great Dad. Hold on tight to your fond memories!
May God Bless both of you.

Sincere Sympathy,
Mrs Teri Fash
(grandmother of Anastasia & Zachary)

Today I felt the need to sign this thinking of Terry every day all day. It is scary to me how time jut continues to go by and yet it also feels like it just stopped. I contiue to read these every day hoping something could change. I know that Terry is proud of how dignified our family is and how we all stick together. Jill, Riley and Aidan I am here for you whenever you need me. I love you all and am so glad you are part of our family. Love, Janie

Anyone that knows your family (all of them) knows that you guys are all tight with each other. The love is all around! I pray for each of you to help you get through this and that you do know he's with your mom and you'll all be together again. Love Cousin Gayle

My condolences.

Chan and I were so very sorry to hear of your loss and will have your beautiful family in our prayers. May God bless you and keep you under his wings during this time. Our hearts go out to you.

To all the family: Dan and I were so sorry to hear about Terry and more sorry that we couldn't be there in person to give our condolences. I've been remembering all the fun we had as kids, and thinking how grateful I was that Terry was willing to be my date for my senior prom at the last minute when my date cancelled on me. We had a great time and I'll always cherish those memories. I'm sure he's in heaven with Sharon and my Mom having great laughs. God Bless Terry and God Bless you, too.

Jill, Riley, Aiden and your families,

I was devestated to hear of the news about Terry. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I was so sorry to hear about Terry and wish I had known sooner so that I could have paid my condolences. Terry was always very kind to me, as my teacher at Driscoll and even getting me a job at the office where he worked when I decided the mall wasn't for me. I will always be thankful to him for that experience because I learned so many things that teenagers don't normally have access to. He was always enjoyable to be around because he had a great personality and energy. My thoughts are with your family during this hard time.

terry was a great uncle.he influenced my life.I all ways wanted to be just like him.I love you,Terry.

So...
Brooke and I have been listening to Hakuna Matata.. trying to replicate Terry's dance moves.. not sure that can be done. Probably a good thing =) I miss my brother. I miss his smile, such an amazing smile (great teeth too.. what happened to me??) He used to tell me not to use toothpaste, just water... maybe that is the trick. Anyway, there were some memories that I wanted to mention. Hakuna Matata is one.. he would BLAST that song whenever I was in the car with him. When we were even younger, it was Michael Jackson. I alo remember when he was studying Russian, but he would also read the dictionary around that time, and every day he would tell me new word. He was so so smart.. scary smart. If Terry talked - you would listen. He had such a delivery and a way about him that made you want to listen. He was so funny. No matter what, he could tell you a story to make you laugh. Terry loved to make people laugh. At the wake, almost everyone who knew him said how much they made him laugh. Also, many people talked about how much he had helped them. Terry would help anyone and tried to help everyone. He made such an impact on people. How many people can you say that about?? I know he is up there with mom and they are wishing we would not be sad. They are telling funny stories and watching us and wishing we would realize that life is so very short. In mom's words.. this too shall pass. and one of my favorites:

"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room, I shall be able to see." (Helen Keller)

I remember growing up next door to Terry. Our families shared a driveway and so many good times. Terry was like my big brother. He was never too busy to break away and play ball with me (especially when he was mowing the lawn.) My prayers are with his wife and children.

Jill, Riley, and Aiden
I'm so sorry for what happened. Terry was a great man, and he will be missed greatly. Remember you have a great family that will do anything for you, we all love you


Cousin Matt

Uncle Terry,
I love you. Happy valentines day! I hope Jesus gives you a penny and you give Him a dollar! (like that trick you used to do for us)
I think you will have a lot of pennies in heaven. Love, Paul (nephew)

Dear Jill,
I remember when you and Terry used to come over all the time. I used to call Terry the "goofy guy" because he would always make me laugh. I will miss him. I am thinking about you and the kids.

our love and prayers are with the o'Donnell family, Terry was a good man, he will be missed. michael marziotto & family

Jill, Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We will never forget how much Terry helped us with the start of our Titans basketball program in Glen Ellyn. He established a tremendous rapport with a group of junior high players, gained their respect and taught them valuable basketball and life skills. Today those boys are outstanding young men in college and I know that Terry's influence will continue to be with them for many years to come.

Bill, Nancy, Brad and Ryan Taylor
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

To Janie, Jill & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Through coincidence, my mom lives down the street on Honey Hill, and I live across the street from Janie in Geneva. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Heather, Bob & Aerin Seemann

Dear O'Donnells's,
Kevin, John and I(Christine)are very saddened to hear of the loss of Terry. Being from Bensenvile and having attended Driscoll with the large O'Donnell family, we feel like part of our own family has been torn away. God bless Terry and his family. Many Irish blessings his and his family's way. We will miss him. The Wendorf's

Dear O'Donnells's,
Kevin, John and I(Christine)are very saddened to hear of the loss of Terry. Being from Bensenvile and having attended Driscoll with the large O'Donnell family, we feel like part of our own family has been torn away. God bless Terry and his family. Many Irish bleesings his and his family's way. We will miss him. The Wendorf's

Dear Riley and Aidan, Im very sorry for your loss of your dad. We are all sad. Your dad was a good man. hope you will feel better soon. Aidan i can't wait to play football with you again.See you soon.Love your cousin Donny.

Jill, Riley and Aidan,
We are so sorry. I wish I could be there. A hug is sent your way!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Love, Gene,Patti,Trey,Bryce & Mallorie Benhart

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Dear O'Donnell and Hejza Families,

Nobody is ever prepared for the sudden loss of a loved one. Let your fond memories, strength of family, and God's hand hold you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,
The Redlin Family

My deepest sympathies to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Just to let you know, I taught at St. Philip's last year and moved to Fla. I had subbed in Riley's room a few times. So sorry to hear of this great loss.

Janie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your brother, I know that you have a beautiful close family. You have and will continue to be in all of your prayers.

Wishing you Gods peace,
Nicole, Dave and the kids.

AN IRISH POEM JUST FOR YOU TERRY:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.


You will be missed!! Love your "cuz" Kelly

My condolences and sympathy for your loss. I will remember Terry as a former player and later a coaching colleague. We had many great discussions whenever we met.

A buddy and kindred spirit. I will miss the old boy. Jean and are thinking of Jill and the kids.

Dear Jill,
I am so sorry for your loss. Terry will be missed by many, Honey Hill rd will not be the same without him. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dear O'Donnell Family,

We are deeply saddened by your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Sincerely,

The FioRito Family

To Terry's family ...

I have fond memories of Terry from (many) years ago in Junior High and High School when we played basketball. Terry was always a sincere and kind person to others. Having a fun competitive spirit, he had many friends. Even 25 years later, I remember Terry well. I know little of Terry's professional or family life since those earlier years. Although people come and go throughout our lives, Terry will be remembered. My thoughts are with you during this time of loss.

To the O'Donnell and Hejza families,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Terry. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

My sympathy goes out to all of the O'Donnell family. Terry was one of my roommates in college back in the old IBC days. Although I lost touch with him when I moved to California, I will always remember the good times that we had both on and off the basketball court. Tom

Mike.....
What can I say. We are shocked. And
unfortunately we are all in Florida so we are unable to be there to offer you any support. Altho, we did not know Terry very well, being
your son, we are sure that he was
quite a young man.

Our sincerest sympathy to you and all your daughters. And of course,
to his wife and children.

We love you.
Your cousin,

Bernie and Charlie

Our deepest sympathy Mike and family God bless you all

To the O'Donnell Family,

Words can not express how sorry we are to hear what happened. Please accept our sympathy at this time of loss and know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Our Prayers & Thoughts are with the O'Donnell Family. Our tears & sadness as well.
Jim & Laurene Collins & family
Bensenville,IL

My thoughts are with you all, especially you, Jill.
I love you lots.

Though many miles and many years are between us, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Barb (Buck) Petersen

Our sympathy goes out to Jill and the kids as well as the O'Donnell family. Terry was a friend who left a considerable amount of fond memories.

Terry had a spirit that very few others possess, and I feel that each one of us are lucky to have known Terry. He was as funny as he was smart, and made a first impression like no other person I have ever met.

Our thoughts are with Terry, Jill and the family.

My favorite nephew, "Torrence."

Jill, Riley and Aidan
We are so sorry for your loss and will miss Terry's fun loving personality as will all who knew him. Of course, Bob and I will remember him and our trip to Florida 11 years ago when Bob and I got engaged. Terry will always bring good memories to us.
Love Bob and Pam Kelleher

Mike,
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.

Your friend,

Jack Bishop

To the O'Donnell and Hejza Families,

So many memorable times over the years watching so many games. I will remember Terry's humor and insight as we both watched and cheered for the boys as they successfully participated in so many sports at so many levels. Terry always had a warm smile and a firm, friendly handshake for everyone he knew. Your strength will be where it has always been...inside the hearts of your family members. May God bless and watch over all of you during this most difficult of times.

To the Entire O'Donnell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficult time. Terry was a GREAT friend to many and will be missed.

To the O'Donnell family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Find strength in each other and please call if you need anything.


Our deepest Sympathies,

Sheri(Semerau), Bob, Randy, and Carly Murbach

Terry always had a smile on his face and a friendly hug whenever you saw him. His good nature and laughter was infectious.....You couldn't be down when near him. That was the special gift that god gave him. I'm sure that he has the angels dancing & singing "Play That Funky Music White Boy" all around heaven. We will miss him. Our hearts go out to all of you especially Jill, Riley & Aidan. We will keep all of you in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless Mike, Cheryl, Jen and all the O'Donnell's
Love & Prayers,
Barb & Rob Collins

To the O'Donnell and Hezja families,
Steve and I want to express our heartfelt sympathy to both families. I had the priviledge of knowing Terry during grade school and then re-connecting through the Hejza family at sporting events in town. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry you were so much fun to work for at the Bartlett Tap, I can still hear and see you singing Brown Eyed Girl, that will forever be your song. la-de-da my friend! May God bless you and your family, in this most difficult time for them, and may they be proud of the laughter you brought to so many.

Dear Hezja Family,
Our relationship with you goes back many years, starting with grammar school sports involvement between our sons and Shane and Justin (the boys still remain good friends today). The thought of these boys (as well as the rest of the family) losing Terry in this terrible tragedy is heart-breaking. Over the years, we have witnessed your family deal with many difficulties and challenges. You have always handled these matters with grace, poise, courage and family unity, which have served as an example and an inspiration to all who know you. Please believe that our heartfelt prayers and concerns for your family are with you at this time.
The Senese Family

Jill, Riley and Aidan,
Our thoughts and prayers go are with you in this very sad time. Terry was a wonderful man with a kind heart a warm smile and never a bad word to say about anything. He will be missed. To the whole O'Donnel family our sympathys.
The Blume Family

To the O'Donnell Family,

Nothing ever seems like the right thing to say at times like these, but all I can say is that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this tragic time.

The O'Donnell Family

My favorite photo..

Dearest Jill, Riley and Aidan,
Our hearts go out to all of you. Terry is now resting peacefully with our Lord.

My favorite story about my brother is when he would stick his dirty socks in vases around the house and say they smelled like roses. He could be so goofy.

I always admired Terry for his intelligence. He possessed so many wonderful qualities of my mother.
I love you and am always here. Jill Waldron and family.