Gerard B. O'Donnell
Gerard B. ‘Jerry’ O’Donnell, 87, of Willow Grove, passed away March 29, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (Burns) O’Donnell for 64 years.
Born January 18, 1937 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Bernard A. and Viola (Lex) O’Donnell.
Growing up in Mayfair as the son of a Philadelphia Police detective, and brother of a Philadelphia Firefighter, Jerry had a strong sense of duty and patriotism that followed him throughout his life.
A proud alum of North Catholic High School and LaSalle University, Jerry had a career as a Contracting Officer with the Department of Defense. During his tenure at the DoD, Jerry helmed many well-known projects that helped keep Americans, both civilian and military, safe at home and abroad.
Jerry loved his family and friends, and summer family vacations camping on the beach in Hatteras. Jerry and Kathleen made yearly winter visits to St. John in the USVI, and together traveled to many places around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and several trips to Ireland.
Along with his wife Kathleen, Gerard is survived by five children, Jerry O’Donnell (Michelle), Kathleen MacMillan (Derek), Matt O’Donnell (Heather), Betsy Krutak (James), and Drew O’Donnell (April); 12 grandchildren, Brian, Sean, Molly, Quinn, Jake, Nick, Skye, Jimmy, Russell, Jack, Liam, and Oliver; and a great-grandchild, Rio.
Gerard was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Colleen.
Services and interment will be held privately.
Service and Interment will be held privately
Services and Interment will be held privately