O’DONNELL – On Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, Daniel Patrick O’Donnell, loving and devoted husband of Kathleen (McAvoy) passed away suddenly at age 80. Dan was born February 19th, 1940. Growing up in Lakeview he attended DePaul Academy and DePaul University. In 1969 Dan became co-owner of Armitage Hardware and quickly became known as a leader in the community with a generous spirit and unrelenting sense of optimism. A devoted Catholic, he was an active member of the St. Teresa of Avila parish.
His commitment to working hard and helping others was a catalyst for the growth of the Lincoln Park and Lakeview communities. All who knew him benefited from his wisdom and infinite capacity for faith, love, and service.
Wednesday diners at Ann Sather Restaurant may have recognized Dan from decades of cinnamon roll-fuelled philanthropy at the meetings of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeview. For the past 25 years, he served as host and adopted grandfather for the thousands of Irish J-1 students who came to experience a summer in Chicago.
Dan was preceded in death by his father, Daniel (born Eighter Island, County Donegal) his mother Nellie (Casey, born Cornamona, County Galway) and his sister Ellen (Lee) Cieniewicz. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 59 years Kathleen; his children: Brian (Jodi), Erin (Andy) and Kevin; six grandchildren Casey O’Donnell, Corey O’Donnell, Kirby O’Donnell, Haley Clark, Emily Clark, Shannon Clark; sister Sheila (Dwight) DeLattre; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
To keep everyone safe and healthy, a private funeral is planned. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held when it is safe to gather. To join the live streamed Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 27, at 11am, please visit the following link: https://teresa.church/live/
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dan’s name to the Kiwanis Club of Lakeview, where they will be immediately directed to community food pantries. Donations can be sent in care of Armitage Hardware 925 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago Illinois 60614. Arrangements by Cooney Funeral Home. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com.