The Reverend Monsignor Edward D. O’Donnell passed away on August 2, 2024 at the Cardinal O’Connor Clergy Residence in The Bronx, New York.
Reverend Monsignor O’ Donnell was the son of the late Patrick O’ Donnell and Nora O’ Donnell, born in Manhattan, NY and he was raised in The Bronx, where he was a parishioner and student at Saint Anthony’s Parish..
Reverend Monsignor O’ Donnell was predeceased by his sister Noreen Reilly, and her husband James Reilly; as well as his sister Patricia White and her husband William White.
Monsignor O’ Donnell was the beloved uncle of James and Linda Reilly, Edward and Kathleen Reilly, Eileen and Daniel Hergenroeather, Thomas Reilly and Lisa Shubin, and Noreen Abbatiello Reilly. He was also the loving uncle of many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
As a reflection of his love and dedication to his family, Monsignor O’Donnell administered all of the Sacraments to his extended family, something that is greatly cherished and appreciated by all of them.
Monsignor O’ Donnell was ordained into the priesthood in May of 1954, following which he was assigned to his first parish, Immaculate Conception/ St Mary’s Church in Yonkers, NY.
Throughout his vocational and pastoral career, Monsignor O’ Donnell served many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of New York, including St. Mary’s (Washingtonville), St Peter’s (Poughkeepsie),Immaculate Conception-St. Mary’s (Yonkers), St Gregory the Great (Manhattan), Our Lady of Solace (Bronx), St John the Baptist (Yonkers), Sacred Heart (Manhattan), and The Church of the Resurrection (Rye).
In furtherance of his dedication and outreach, Monsignor O’Donnell was assigned to cultural immersive learning experiences in South America and Europe so that he would better understand the language, culture, and spiritual needs of those he shepherded.
Monsignor O’ Donnell provided spiritual support, guidance, and friendship to many in the clergy, with a special devotion to the Sisters of Life order in New York.
After being elevated by John Cardinal O’ Connor to Monsignor, Monsignor O’ Donnell served the Archdiocese in multiple capacities, including Vicar of Religious, Vicar of Priests, Vice Chancellor of Priest Personnel, and Chancellor.
Monsignor O’ Donnell was a fitness enthusiast who was a dedicated weekly golfer, walker, alpine skier, and exerciser. His love of music, reading, photography and the arts was evident for all to see.
Monsignor O’ Donnell was also a great football fan, holding season tickets to his beloved New York Football Giants for many years.
After serving as Senior Priest in Residence at the Church of Resurrection for many years, he retired to take up residence at The Cardinal O’ Connor Residence in the Bronx where he passed away.
Reposing Thursday morning, Aug 8th from 9:30-11 am at the Cardinal O’Connor Residence, 5655 Arlington Ave. Bronx, New York. Mass to follow at 11 am.
Additional wake on Thursday evening, Aug 8th, 4-7 pm at Church of the Resurrection, 910 Boston Post Road, Rye, New York.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Aug 9th at 10 am Church of the Resurrection followed by the Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Yonkers, New York.