Deacon Richard O’Donnell

Richard Joseph O’Donnell, passed peacefully from his life of service into Christ’s arms at 0300 EDT at St. Elizabeth’s Hospice Center in Edgewood, KY. Dick was born in New Orleans, LA on September 21, 1927, and married his wife, Peggy, of 47 years, on July 17, 1954. He follows his wife who passed away, April 29, 2002.

Service was the hallmark of his life and Dick was honored to serve as a deacon with the Diocese o f Covington Kentucky to whom he ministered since moving to Florence in 1997. Previously, he served as a deacon with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV. Prior to that, he served in the United States Navy for 25 years, with three years’ service in the Army Air Corps at the close of WWII.

Dick is survived by his seven children; Richard Joseph O’Donnell, Jr. of Arlington, VA; Mathews Joseph O’Donnell of Santa Clara, CA; Mary Frances Harrah of Batesville, IN; John Joseph O’Donnell of Temecula, CA; Michael Joseph O’Donnell of Martinsburg, WV; Elizabeth Mary Littrell of Independence, KY; and Francis Xavier O’Donnell of Hebron, KY; along with 22 grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Burlington. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Linnemann Funeral Home, Burlington. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Building Fund, 5876 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005.