Obituary of Wilfrid John O'Donnell

Wilfrid (Willie) John O'Donnell

February 3, 1947 – August 20, 2026

It is with great sadness that the love of my life has finally succumbed to the devastating effects of mixed dementia. After 57 years of marriage, I say goodbye to my husband, partner and best friend.

Willie lived a full and wonderful life as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a teacher and coach for 36 years, touching generations of students along the way.

A science teacher to his core, Willie believed in the value of learning and discovery. Fittingly, he donated his brain to science, one final contribution to his legacy.

He loved golfing, travelling, music, dancing, playing cards, time with friends and, perhaps most of all, a good laugh.

He will be deeply missed by me, his wife Judy; our daughter Jennifer and her children, Keaton and Grayson; our son Paul, his wife Lara, and their children, Finley and Tessa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The youngest of four, Willie was predeceased by his siblings Jim O'Donnell, Patricia Capitano and Teresa Huber.

Dementia may have changed the final chapter of our story, but it will never define the life we shared or the man we loved.

Visitation will be held at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, Wednesday, September 2, from 2–4 and 7–9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Church, 511 Cheapside Street, Thursday, September 3 at 11 a.m.

The family would love to hear your memories and stories. Feel free to share either in person or by email at willieodonnell1947@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dale E. Creighton Brain & Biobank and/or the Alzheimer Society of Southwest Partners would be greatly appreciated.