“Johnny O”
John Joseph O’Donnell passed away at his home in St. George on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, after battling an extended illness. He was 67.
John was welcomed into the world May 18, 1953, to parents John O’Donnell Sr. and Therese Audette O’Donnell of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was part of a large family with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He spoke fondly of everyone getting together to play their musical instruments, swap stories and enjoy each other’s company. Growing up, he and his brother Freddie enjoyed many hours out on the family boat with his mom and dad.
He graduated from Arlington High School in 1971. Upon graduation, he worked for a time as an officer for the Medford Housing Authority. In 1975, he married Marion Hally and had three children, Ronnie, Ned and Kristin. With a family to support he decided to go back to school where he received his LPN from O’Youville College and later his RN from Catherine Laboure School of Nursing in Dorchester.
He and Marion were married for 16 years and were later divorced. From there, life took him to Florida where he worked in hospice care and lived on Sanibel Island. In 1992 he came to Utah where he fell in love with the mountains and decided to stay.
He worked as Chief Operations Officer for Granger Medical for approximately 20 years where it went from a small facility in West Valley and grew to multiple locations. He made many friendships there which he has continued with. He completed his career working as the Behavioral Health Services Director at Jordan Valley Hospital in West Valley City; again, making more friends.
John was happiest when being part of a community, serving in various capacities and reaching out to people. His contagious smile and laughter were always his trademarks.
In October 1995 through April 1997 he served as Colonel for the Utah Civil Air Patrol. His time there was a source of great pride to him. He served on many advisory boards over his career. He was passionate about politics and served as Chairman of the Democratic Party in Tooele County. He also served on the Stansbury Board in his community from 2006-2008. In his later years, he served on the Citizens Review Board for the West Valley Police Department and also enjoyed participating with the Honorary Colonel’s for West Valley City and Salt Lake County.
In 2000 he met his sweetheart Kim when they were both new Harley riders. They had adventures from North Dakota to the Four Corners and everything in between. He became stepdad to Mandy and Darci who affectionately called him “Johnny Bravo.”
John enjoyed trips in his motorhome and camping with the family. He enjoyed lounging in his pool in St. George. He loved hosting family BBQs, sailing in his boat on the Great Salt Lake and riding his Harley.
He had just recently retired and moved to St. George full time when his health started to decline.
John is survived by his partner Kim; his children Ronald and Edward O’Donnell of Medford, Massachusetts; daughter Kristin Richards and her husband Albert of Holbrook, Massachusetts; and Mandy Rose and Darci Willoughby of Tooele, Utah. He is the grandfather of Lewis Stamerra, Kayla O’Donnell, Jake O’Donnell, Kaden Ericson and Liam Lewis. He was preceded in death by both parents.
In conclusion, it is not the words written here today or the stories and photos that we share, it is what we take away with us in our hearts. It is the lessons John taught us, the inspiration, knowledge, friendship, and love that he shared with us and will continue with us throughout our lives. That is the best tribute we could pay to John and our way of saying thanks to him.
Service will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at noon, with a viewing prior from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., at Tate Mortuary, 110 S, Main St., Tooele. Interment at Tooele City Cemetery.
In keeping with COVID guidelines, we ask that if attending the services, you wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. A mask will be provided if you do not have one. You may also view a live stream broadcast of the funeral if you prefer not to attend or are unable to at my.gather.app/remember/john-odonnell.