Robert Edward O'Donnell

There goes Duke, off into the Wild Blue Yonder, Climbing High and straight into Our Saviors’ Loving Arms. A spectacular ending to his faithful, worthwhile and adventurous earthly life.

Robert Edward O’Donnell was born in Oak Park,Illinois. He spent his youthful years living in La Grange, Illinois, graduating from Lions Township High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army Air Force Corps becoming a Bombardier/Flight Officer in the 358th Bomb Squadron; the “Mighty Eighth”. Duke was stationed at Molesworth Royal Air Force Base, England. Long before there was a motorcycle group Duke had the honor of participating with the distinguished and highly respected Hell’s Angels 303rd Bomb Group, flying B-17 missions over Germany. On December 31, 1944 after completing a mission bombing railroad yards in Neuss, Germany, Duke’s aircraft was directly hit. Duke was severely injured. Literally, with a ‘wing and a prayer’ the B-17 and crew made it to English soil, landing in a field. A Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross concluded his active service.

After his military service Duke attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1948.

A career as a Commodity Trader at the Mercantile Exchange in Chicago, Illinois followed. He took the job first as being the clerk who worked in the mezzanine area. As that clerk he would use chalk and chalkboard to rapidly write, erase, rewrite the numbers and prices as stocks would rise and fall. It was a deliberate move as that clerk would be the first to know what to buy and sell. It was a success.

In 1951 Duke married Alice Therese Feeney. They moved to Joliet, Illinois where they raised their family. Alice and Duke were fortunate to take many trips together and enjoy a happy marriage. After Alice’s death in 1988 Duke continued to travel. He loved the back roads and little places off the beaten path, taking the long route, discovering spots to stay and always, always charming the folks he met.

He would spend the winters with his daughter and son-in-law in California and in 2007 permanently moved to Cardiff-By-The -Sea, California.

Duke is preceded in death by his wife Alice, daughter Margaret, sons Robert, Patrick, Joseph and son-in-law Jay. He is survived by his daughters Mary (DJ) Balzer, Anne (Peter) Sticklen, daughter-in-law, Rita O’Donnell and son, James O’Donnell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Catherine O’Donnell, Elizabeth (Eric)Peterson, Patrick (Sarah)Tira, Michael (Kathryn) Tira, Daniel (Megan) Tira, John (Tara) Tira. He is survived by great-grandchildren Patrick, Russell, Kaia, Claire, Alice, Elise, Olivia, Claire and Benjamin and two great grandsons who will arrive in the fall of 2023.

Duke is also survived by his dear friends, Julie and Jim Strattman, Sean O’Reilly and his great pals, JIm McCleary, John Hunt and Jim Eggers. In addition Duke leaves behind a vast wealth of friends from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Encinitas, California but is reunited with another vast communion of family and friends in Heaven.

He was a moral, decent man who only thought the best of others, looked for the good in all things, was thoughtfully intelligent and his love for God was true, unwavering and devout. His love for God continues. Some light up a room but Duke brought the warmth to it. If you care to remember Duke, a kind deed, a happy memory or a thoughtful prayer would be appreciated.

He was an avid supporter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John the Evangelist Church.

A Kind Man

A Faithful Man

A Gentleman

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.encinitaschapel.com for the O'Donnell family.