Ryan James O'Donnell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ryan James O’Donnell on October 21, 2024 at the age of 54. Ryan was born on March 24, 1970 in New Jersey to Francis and Maryann O’Donnell, and was an older brother to Christopher O’Donnell.

Ryan had a lot of great memories of his childhood, and was proud of learning to play soccer on Long Island. His family moved to Ormond Beach, FL where Ryan attended Seabreeze High School, and earned the nickname “Smiley”. He was a standout player on the Seabreeze Soccer Team, won SuperSoph, Best Offense and Playmaker awards, and his greatest memory was going to finals two years in a row. By the time he left Seabreeze, he had developed a reputation as a skilled player, and had made friends who would forever be a part of his life.

After High School he worked as a Volusia County Lifeguard, and was proud to help keep the beaches safe. He went to college at Flagler College in St. Augustine, where he became known as “Dude” thanks to his blonde mullet and ability to surf. Ryan was a proud member of the Flagler Soccer Team, who went on to become All District and All Conference Champs while he was there earning his Bachelor’s Degree. For Ryan, the team at Flagler would become his brothers, forming bonds that remain today.

Following college, Ryan stayed in the Jacksonville area, and earned a spot playing on the Jacksonville Fury in the USISL. He also worked in the mental health field and specialized early in his career with working to help underprivileged children at both Daniel Memorial and at Children’s Home Society. Ryan earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from FSU, and obtained his LCSW license before transitioning to support services for the US Navy and working at Fleet and Family. This change in his career would take him to Jacksonville, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Mississippi, Georgia, and his last posting in Guam.

Ryan and his future wife, Connie, were introduced to each other through their best friends in Daytona Beach 37 years ago, and were married over 24 years, making their home in the Jacksonville area. Ryan and Connie were blessed with an easy love; they were best friends, laughed together a lot, thought alike, made a great parenting team, and always worked together on their goals. Whether that be plans for the future, or talking in the present about their lives while miles apart. Ryan and Connie knew how much love they brought one another in the toughest of times and during the best of times.

Ryan’s proudest accomplishment was being a dad to his son Sean O’Donnell, 22, and daughter Kaitlyn O’Donnell, 15. Ryan was a wonderful dad; he coached their teams, cheered them on, learned about their hobbies, helped with homework, and attended theater performances. He was patient with their frustrations, consoled them when they cried, held them when they hurt and shared with them his dry sense of humor. Ryan was constantly amazed by Sean and Katie, and enjoyed watching them grow into young adults who are brave, compassionate, smart, funny and loving. And Ryan would brag about his children to anyone who would listen.

Ryan had many passions in his life, including soccer, going to the beach, scuba diving, hiking and exploring, going to concerts, photography, and following his sports teams: NY Giants, NY Rangers, and the Manchester United Football Club. Together with his wife and sometimes with the family, he has traveled to Scotland, Ireland, England, Japan, Guam, Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, most of the Caribbean Islands, and multiple states in America. But one of his biggest passions was helping others, and it was reflected not only in his career but also in his everyday life. Ryan lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others.

Ryan is survived by his parents: Francis and Maryann O’Donnell, his wife: Connie O’Donnell, his children: Sean O'Donnell and Kaitlyn O’Donnell, and his brother: Christopher O’Donnell.

A Celebration of Life for Ryan will be held Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. After the Celebration, please join us for a gathering at Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 145 Hidden Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081.