John B. O'Donnell III

John B. O’Donnell III of Stoneham died Wednesday May 3, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He was 71 years old.

Born in Boston January 13, 1952, the son of the late John B. O’Donnell Jr. and Margaret M. (Doyle) O’Donnell.

Raised in Brighton and a graduate of Brighton High School class of 1969, John was a proud member of the Brighton Bengals football team. He went on to play football at Northeastern University and graduated with a B.S. in Journalism in 1974. He worked as a Financial Planner for Metropolitan Life for over 40 years. 

John was the beloved husband of Diane C. (Giachinta) O’Donnell for nearly 44 years and resident of Stoneham for 36 years. Together they raised 5 children and were active participants at St. Patrick's Parish in Stoneham. They created cherished family memories with backyard pool parties and summer vacations to Cape Cod and Waterville Valley, among many other adventures, all while instilling faith and strong family values in their children.

John was known throughout his life for his kindness, sense of humor and decency.  He was a devoted friend to many and actively participated in the lives of his children and grandchildren, acting by various turns as a scoutmaster, coach, cheerleader, sandwich-maker, comedian, tutor, storyteller, newspaper route “coordinator”, and chauffeur.

John enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid reader, a skillful writer, a fervent Patriots fan and a solver of puzzles of all kinds.  His smile and sharp wit could light up any room. 
      
He was the loving father of John B. O’Donnell IV and wife Jennifer of Melrose, Cheryl McKenna and husband Joel of Billerica, Richard O’Donnell and wife Stephanie of Middleton, David O’Donnell and fiancé May of Thailand, and April Pritchard and husband Joshua of Boston. John was the brother of Margaret Conlin and husband Paul of Woburn, Ellen O’Donnell and partner Joseph Murphy of Marshfield, Peter O’Donnell and wife Laura of Melrose, and Kathleen Darcy and her husband John of Winchester.

He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren Cole, Vivienne, Cooper, Daniela, Lilah, Winston, and Cillian and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday May 9 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday May 10 at St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10am. Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Joslin Diabetes Center.