Capt. John J. O'Donnell USN Ret

Capt. John J. O'Donnell, USN, Ret., 84, a longtime resident of Mt. Pleasant, SC, widow of Jean Martindale O'Donnell, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011.  The relatives and friends of Capt. O'Donnell are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel at 11:00 a.m.  Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call J. HENRY STUHR INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL Tuesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. 

Capt. O'Donnell was born in Baldwin, NY in April 1927, son of the late Joseph and Agnes Knoedler O'Donnell.  He graduated from La Salle High School in 1944 and from the New York State Maritime Academy in October 1946, at which time he was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Reserve and the US Maritime Service.  He sailed on U.S. Merchant ships prior to entering the U.S. Navy. 

Capt. O'Donnell married Jean Martindale, who predeceased him, in Calcutta India in March 1951.  He is survived by five sons and their wives, Michael (Pam) who resides in Aurora, IL,  John (Kathy) who resides in Johns Island, SC, Matt (Kathy) who resides in James Island, SC, and Dan (Jody) and Joseph (Sybil), both of Mt. Pleasant, SC; five daughters and their husbands, Carol Norman (Rick), Kathleen Coulthard (Mark), Susan Vevon (Jerry), Beth McBrayer (Johnny) and Kellie Robinson (Robbie), all of Mt. Pleasant, SC; twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with two great grandchildren on the way.  He is also survived by his brother, Joseph O'Donnell of Bonita Springs, FL. 

During more than twenty years of Naval Service, Capt. O'Donnell served on several Atlantic Fleet ships and shore stations.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for action in Vietnam, the Navy Commendation Medal, several Vietnamese decorations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Award and many Merchant Marine and Navy service awards.  After his retirement from the Navy in February 1977, he worked as operations manager for Containership Agency and Neptune Orient Line in the Port of Charleston for 13 years.  His local service included five years as a director of the Tri-County American Red Cross and several years as a member and later as Commissioner of the State Pilot Commission.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the American Legion, Post 10624 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Propeller Club.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, "Building Fund," 888 King St., Charleston, SC 29403 or Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden St., Charleston, SC 29403 or Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.