Joseph R. O'Donnell, Sr.

Obituary Joseph R. ODonnell, Sr., 81 of Perkasie, died December 8, 2020 in Grandview Hospital, Sellersville. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" J. (Fritz) ODonnell. Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Patrick M. & Anna H. (Melaugh) ODonnell. Joe lived an adventurous life; joining the Navy at 16 years old, he became a corpsman, sailed around the world a couple times, and served three tours in Vietnam, after 22 years of service he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1977. After, earning a bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Accounting, Joe went on to a successful career in hospital and nursing home administration. After retiring at the age of 60 he took on the role he loved the most, spending everyday with his beloved Betty and serving as "manny" to his grandboys. Joe never sat still, over the years wherever they landed in their many moves he immediately became active in the local parish, and found some fraternal organization to join: Elks, Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus were favorites, and he belonged to many chapters and councils across the country usual finding his way into a board or leadership position rather quickly. Joe had just finally, last month, handed over the mantle of financial secretary of St. Isidore Knights of Columbus Council #4649. Joe was an avid fisherman, sometime hunter and the seancha (storyteller) of the family. The final survivor of a family of 10 kids (and being an Irish Catholic clan there were always a few extra relatives in the house) he has been the patriarch for the last couple of decades, his passing marks the end of an era for the family. He is survived by a son Joseph R., Jr. of Pensacola, Florida, a daughter Beth ODonnell-Miller and husband J. Brant of Perkasie and two grandsons J. Michael and Brendan P. as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Chase M. as well and his brothers and sisters: Patrick "Buddy", John, James, Marie (Jim & Marvin), James "Jimmy" (Margie), Eugene (Mary), Charles "Cholly", Nancy (Gordon) and Regina "Dee" (Francis). A Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:30 A.M. in St. Isidore Catholic Church, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951. Calling hour is 10:30-11:30 A.M. in the church. For those who feel safer remaining at home, a livestream of the mass will begin at 11:25 A.M. at www.stisidores.org. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 9:30 A.M. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore Parish, 603 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. The family would request that if you have any doubt that Covid 19 is serious please think again. It is a killer. One of the last conversations we had he stated that this was worse than when he had malaria in the military. Joe was hail and hardy on Friday, 11/20 he was put on a ventilator on Saturday, 11/28. We had to remove life support on Tuesday, 12/8. We take solace in the fact that he is at peace and with the love of his life. Services 24 Hour Viewing Tuesday December 15, 2020 10:30 AM St. Isidore's Livestream www.stisidores.org Quakertown, PA 18951 Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday December 15, 2020 11:30 AM St. Isidore's Livestream www.stisidores.org Quakertown, PA 18951