Edward Michael O'Donnell

O'Donnell, Edward Michael (Ed) 86, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama died peacefully at home on May 19, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ellen O'Donnell, his sisters Carol Ann O'Donnell and Margaret Wilkie, his son, Charles O'Donnell and his grandchildren, Paul Lyons and Vanessa O'Donnell. He is survived by his wife of 57 years and "love of his life", Ray Williamson O'Donnell; his children, Dorothy Lyons Wilkie, Edward O'Donnell (Cecilie), Scott O'Donnell (Kim), Mollie Maddison (Scott), Amy Sanchez (Manny), and Andy O'Donnell (Virginia). He was known as PopPop by his pride and joy, his grandchildren: Jennifer Lyons, Jessica Longton (Darren), Danielle O'Donnell, Gregory Gonzalez(Neil), Emily Hegarty (Jeffrey), Chase O'Donnell, William O'Donnell, Charlie O'Donnell, Maya O'Donnell, Pete Dickinson, Abby O'Donnell and Kileigh Dickinson, his great grandchildren: Andre Longton, Theo Longton, Devyn Longton, Leon Hegarty,

Ed was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 4, 1934. In his younger years, Ed spent time with his friends in their fort, the 'Lazy Y Ranch', stealing peaches from a trap door that opened into the neighbors yard. When not engaged in larceny, Ed could be found playing baseball for the legendary 'Folcroft Dwarves'. He graduated with a B.A in Education from LaSalle College in 1956 and went on to complete his masters of Social Work at Fordham University School of Social Services in 1958. After graduating from Fordham University, Ed entered the Air Force, serving a three year tour. He went on to a long career with the Veterans Administration completing his career as Chief of Community Services, Long Term Care and Native American Affairs in Washington, D.C.

He was an active member of St. Bedes and then Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a member of St. Vincent De Paul Society. Ed loved traveling, reading, baking, fishing, gardening and sailing. His homemade 'sticky buns' were legendary.. He was a brilliant man that loved discussing and debating current political events.. He was a great writer and would send a letter to the editor of the local paper if he felt strongly about something. He also wrote beautiful poetry. Ed would help anyone and everyone. He gave of his time for those less fortunate and shied away from recognition or thanks for it. Ed was known for his dry wit and fantastic sense of humor.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26th at 10:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama with burial following at Alabama Heritage Cemetery.