Dede and family,
I am most sincerely sorry for your loss.  You are in my heart and prayers.

  I had the great pleasure of growing up with Bobby, Mark Kimmitt, and others in the Chesterbrook Woods neighborhood.  Bobby was my first great friend. Bobby was intelligent, doggedly competitive, humble, witty, kind, and loyal.  I am not certain that I have ever known a better person in my life. Although we lost touch some over the years, much to my regret, I did have the opportunity to spend some time with him, and Mark Kimmitt, a year or so ago.  Sitting there at lunch, it was like when we were kids.  Just a bunch of kids talking sports, and whatever else came up. I hugged him when I left, hoping that I would see him again sometime.  But that was the last time that we would see each other.  Losing him is like losing a part of my childhood.  Bobby is greatly missed.  He had touched so many of us during his wonderful life. My thoughts and prayers are with DeDe and all of his friends and family.  

Jamie Campbell

Dede,

Bob was one of the original Washington Irish (formed in 1980) Rugby players that started at a small playground near the Stratford School off Lee Highway.

He was a great player and teammate. The Irish Alumni Community will sorely miss him.

Harold Andersen

Dede:  Please know that you and Bobby were a truly inspirational team.  When one thinks of selflessness, charm, uplifting humor and courage you two come to the fore.  Bobby truly had the right stuff and cast a very long shadow indeed.  God Bless the one and only Bobby O'Donnell.  Kathy/Chris Bova

Dede, So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing.  You're on my heart and in my prayers.  
Betsy Needham

Dede
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Like others have said, I wish I had gone to see Mr. O'Donnell. He introduced me to so many great literary works. But sorry Mr. OD I still don't like The Old Man and the Sea. Nevertheless, you were my favorite teacher and you will be missed.

Dede,
I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dear Dede and O'Donnell family,
Deepest sorrow at the loss of Bobby.  Many fond memories of visits to Chesterbrook Woods during O'Connell years and, although Meg and her friends were probably a nuisance at times, Bobby was always kind and friendly to us all.  Love to you all.

Dede -- So saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I will always remember his quick wit at American U and TWT. God's comfort to you and family.

To the O'Donnell Family,

I am thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.  I am so sad to hear of Bobby's passing.  Love to you all.

Dede, I am so sorry for your loss. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Dede, 
My sincere condolences on Bob's passing. Although I only met him a few times over the years that you and I worked together he always impressed me as both a fun-loving guy and an old-fashioned gentleman. 
As evidenced by the notes posted by his students, and by his achievements listed in his obituary, he was obviously a beloved, talented, and creative educator. He will be sorely missed, but also fondly remembered, by many, many people.

I'm totally speechless...all these years I always said I would go visit him ... he was the best teacher I ever had (not to detract from all the other teachers I had)...but I really loved him a lot for a teacher...he was a role model for a teacher...now I have so many regrets to not visiting him...and telling him how much he impacted my life...he was a wonderful wonderful person....my heart goes out to all his family and all the lives he has touched...I'm truly truly sad...=*(

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. O'Donnell- beloved English teacher at O'Connell.  I was in his class for 2 years.  He was such a kind and good hearted man.  He was always excited about his subject matter.  He made the Canterbury Tales doggone exciting!  I know he must be having a ball in heaven talking to Paul Newman about his role in, Cool Hand Luke.  May he rest with Jesus.  Many prayers to his beloved family.

I have very fond memories of Mr. O. at DJO, both on the football field and in English class.  He really had a way to connect with his students.  My heartfelt sympathies go out to those who were close to him.

Words do not ease the pain felt by the family members, but words that tell them of a man that was loved, appreciated and admired for his ledership, sensitivity and love of other human beings may give them an idea that the person by their side was unique because of his vast attributes of kindness and love.  I know Bobby will live in our hearts as an inspiration of sportmanship, love and kindness. May he rest in peace and my most heart felt sympathy to his wife and family.

I have great memories of being in Mr.O'Donnell's class.  He made learning fun, English class fun. He was a favorite teacher of mine and to many others.  May he rest in peace. To his family, my condolences to you. Please find comfort knowing he was a great man who helped and inspired many. Understand God makes no mistakes and you will reunite again.

Dear Dede--  I was so sorry to hear about Bob's passing.  After reading his obituary and the many kind thoughts and rememberances in this memory book, it is readily apparent that he was quite a man, husband and father and that he truly made a mark for the better in the world!  

My deepest condolonces to you and your family and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Bob

To my dear friend Katie and her entire wonderful family

I am so sorry for your loss.  I have very fond memories of Bobby - Katie's big brother, Dede's husband and my summer camp instructor.  Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bobby was my oldest friend, we met when we were scared 4 year olds and have been close ever since. I will miss him with all my heart.

                                                Keith Martin (McLean, Virginia)

Take care, Mr. O'Donnell. You taught me the difficulty of grammar ball, 100+ vocab words I would never learn on my own (like brouhaha!), and what it means to keep on working "where the sun don't shine." Please continue to watch over us as you always have in the hallways before and after lunch. Now that you're ever farther away, I'm sure your legions of former students will continue to "buzz" in their greetings and indulge on your everlasting smile. Rest in peace, Mr. O'D. --Your former student. Wakefield '10.

I have fond memories of watching "Cool Hand Luke" in Mr. O'Donnell's English class at O'Connell.  He was a kind and gentle man.  May he rest in peace and may the Lord comfort his family.

Fond  memories of Mosby Street and then Laburnum and the brown and tan "rubber sided" sedan,  the McCallums and O'Donnells piled into summer after summer for Rehobeth, zoo, cavern and of course, many Civil War battle site excursions.  It is with sadness that we note the death of our friend Bobby, our wonderful cohort in childhood crime.  Our very sincere sympathy to all.  With love and affection,
Penny, Rory, and Chris McCallum

Dede, Glorianna and I were saddened to hear about Bob's death. We have you and your family in our prayers. I shared Bob's obituary with my daughter, Tina, who is studying for her PhD in English. His love of literature truly inspired her.

Two of my most lasting memories of high school are of Bobby actually getting angry.  It was so rare that it was impactful. He was red-faced mad at our baseball team for lackluster effort and lack of focus. We didn't realize it then but he was, of course, trying to teach us a life lesson, because that's what he did.  He taught. He taught well.

Dede - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bobby O'Donnell was the big kid in our Chesterbrook Woods neighborhood who all the rest of us looked up to and really respected. Fare ye well upstairs, Bobby. We'll have the Laburnum Street gang together soon in a far better place.

Dede, I am so sorry for your loss.  Your husband was such an incredible and inspiring person - just like you - you were a perfect match.  I pray that God's peace and comfort will surround you and carry you through this difficult time, as well as the hope that you will be with him again one day in heaven.

I will have great memories of Mr. O'Donnell. He will always be my favorite teacher. I'm glad I had the pleasure of being in his class. He will be greatly missed.

Bobby was one of the finest men I've known. I'll forever remember his great sense of humor; love of history, the Redskins, Edgar's Corner, the Bala Boys and his family.  I was honored to be his roommate at Villanova and Best Man at his wedding.  Dede,however, was his lifelong best friend and love of his life.  Rest in peace, O'D...

Bobby was a wonderful man who all of us in the neighborhood looked up to.   Being with Bobby was always a gift.  He'd make you laugh, or inspire you to think, or show you something about living that you didn't know before.  Great teachers don't tell people what to do, they show people what to what to do by how they live.  Bobby was one of those people.  And I suspect that somewhere in heaven, he, Dr. O'Donnell and my dad are talking about the fastest way to get to Redskin games . . .  Love to the whole beautiful O'Donnell family.

Many of us were truly blessed to have Mr O'Donnell as our English teacher our first year at O'Connell. His passion for literature, always presented with a touch of wry humor, was infectious. It was with great joy that we walked through that threshold each day. I thought of him often as I pursued my teaching degree and later stood in front of all those blank faces, hoping to make a difference, just like he did in  my life. God bless you Mr O and may God's grace be with all the family. DJO'83

Dear Mr O'D,
 thanks for being you and caring about what you do and caring about those around you 
I enjoyed those It's Academic trips with you and De De 
Patti McCarthy ( mom to Max " road warrior " Sissman)

It's not only how people live their lives, its the legacy they leave for others to cherish and emulate. Thank you Bobby for being my classmate, teammate,friend and inspiration to so many. Forever touched and never forgotten. You will never be too far. Peace and love to Dede and family.

I never liked English classes at school but I was always excited when I had Mr. O'Donnell's class.  He made English fun and I learned a lot.  He was the kind of teacher that was always approachable and Arlington lost a great teacher.  My sympathies go out to the family.

Have great and fond memories of Bobby at O'Connell. He was one of those guys everyone liked and he seemed to feel the same to them. That is a life well lived. All of our prayers and condolences go out to his family.

To my "most athletic " chess partner, my friend, and partner to my BFF, Dede, Go in peace. You will be missed. But you live on in our hearts.

I'm so sorry to hear of Bobby's passing - we started together in first grade at St. John's, Mother Pierre's class, no less - and I'll always have fond memories of him from childhood and high school..... I pray the Lord hold all of you tightly in His arms at this difficult time!

Dear Mr. O'Donnell,
Perhaps from up there you'll finally be able to fully grasp the monumental impact you've had upon our generation. Thank you for your dedication to the overlooked and underprivileged, your expectations of excellence, and your never-ending encouragement for all of us to follow our dreams.
Till we meet again,
Shane Kigin (WHS 2000)

I had the pleasure to have Mr. O'Donnell as a teacher in the 11th grade. His class was by far the most fun class I've ever had. Every time that I hear about Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello and Huckleberry Finn, he is the first person that comes to mind. 

He loved his students tremendously and every time that I saw him with other students he was either joking with them or providing advice. He has been an inspiration in my life. He recruited me for the It's Academic team, which he loved to coach. I spent memorable times practicing and playing in his classroom. He gave me the nickname "William AP". He recommended me to take AP English. He wrote my college recommendation letter. He gave me so much without asking anything in return. My deep condolences to the members of his family. He was an amazing man. He is in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. O'D was such an amazing and inspiring person. I thank god for the opportunity to be taught and mentored by him. I won't ever forget looking forward to paying him a visit during lunch time and having discussions about sports and life. He will truly be missed. I wish his family the best during this tough time.

Bob was an inspiration to me.  We taught together at Wakefield and I would try to visit his classes as often as possible to be inspired.  His command of his classes was something to be seen.  We enjoyed many conversations about books, movies, teaching, fishing, and growing up Catholic.  I will miss him and always remember him.
Louie

I know I definitely wasn't the best student, but Mr O'D was a teacher that nurtured the pursuit of knowledge in everyone. There are times that what I learned from It's Academic sticks with me, whether it be still enjoying trivia or paying attention to the rules of any competition to understand what strategies would be best. I have to second what Andy Waters said, I'm not that sad for me, but what is saddening is that many won't have the experience of knowing him as an educator and sportsman! Although maybe it just hasn't hit me yet...

I was one of many students were fortunate enough to have Mr. O'D as a teacher. Not only was he my teacher, but he was a great encourager and my definition of strength! Even when he wasn't feeling his best, he always kept a smile on and let nothing keep him down. He always looked out for me. Wakefield was made a better place because of him! May God be with his family and friends at this time. Love to you all.

Dede, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with Bobby's family. Bobby was a special guy that always made you smile, a wonderful human being. He will be missed. I know he is in Heaven looking down and watching over you and helping you though this difficult time. God bless you.


Most of my memories of Bobby revolve around basketball and baseball. I remember a lot of trips in the Volkswagen Bug to American Legion baseball games all over Northern Virginia when we were teammates playing baseball for Jake the Snake and the Falls Church Post 130 baseball team.  I fondly remember the fiery competitor who played at only one speed, and inspired his fellow teammates.

 I am thankful and fortunate for having had the opportunity to compete with and against Bobby, it was an enriching experience.

Farewell to a fine man, a  good friend, and great teammate.

Condolences Dede.

A life well-lived. I cherish memories of It's Academic and lunchtime chats with Mr. O'D.  I am rendered humbly grateful for his choice to be kind to, to invest in, to listen to, to place value in us. What an overwhelming gift he bestowed in sharing of himself day in and day out. Even over a decade later, I am still hoping I can one day grow up to be someone like him. Farewell with love, dear coach...

I was not a personal friend of Mr. O'Donnell, but he taught and mentored my children (and our exchange daughter from Germany). It is not hyperbole to say he changed their lives for the better.  Mr. O'D's class was often a topic of dinner conversation, and we always ended up laughing.  As a parent and APS colleague, I mourn the loss of one of our champions.  Condolences from the Allen-Schoelwer family.

Bobby O was one of those few people that you meet in life, that makes you a better person, just by being around. RIP brother
(is that Herby Thatcher with the fro in the picture of It's Academic)

Bobby was a very special individual giving so much to all who knew him, especially to his family and certainly to Dede.

Our dearest Dede,

"Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear."

Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  

Your friends at the SSC HR Customer Service Center

I have such fond memories of Bobby from high school. I am not surprised he became a man who touched so many. DeDe and family, I know you will cherish many great memories.

Words cannot say enough to ease your pain.  Your memories will carry you forward and know he made a difference in his life and legacy.

Dede, Mary Lane, and the entire O'Donnell clan,
The Utah McNally's are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Bobby was an amazing man and we will all miss him a great deal.
Matt-

Though I haven't seen Bobby in almost 40 years, finding out about his passing reminded me how great of a leader he was...how he made a much less talented baseball player like myself feel part of the team...and his amazing steal of home to beat St. John's...RIP

He was a grand spirit - probably the most inspirational person I have ever met.

Dede & Family,
I retired from Wakefield 10 years ago, my office was directly across from Bob's classroom.  I truly loved this sweetheart of a guy.  He was genuine, funny, kind & such a gifted teacher.  There is no doubt  to me that his guardian angel bend down, kissed him on his cheek and carried home to God.  Hugs to you all.
JoanneSemanchick
Lewisburg, Pa.

You are a constant source of inspiration Mr. O'D and you will be dearly missed. I don't mourn my loss but the fact that there are so many kids who will never have you as their teacher.

Well, what do you say about a guy who inspired you, pushed you, fought with you, fought for you and helped you grow up? I love you Bobby. Somewhere I have photo of you handing the baton to me at some race we ran. Great memory and we won that race. Amen brother. You can rest now. Peace to all in the family. 
For the rest of us...as Warren Zevon said: "Enjoy every sandwich."

Nearly 40 years later I can still remember Bobby's humor and unique smile. When hearing the news my first reaction was that we have lost a genuinely nice guy. My deepest sympathy to Dede and the O'Donnell family. DJO'73

Everyone who met Bob O'Donnell came away enriched & inspired - what a legacy!

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss and allow my prayers to be included for Bobby and all of his family.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. God bless you, Dede, and your family. May God keep you in his loving care.

Bobby, You are one of the kindest people I have ever met. I will miss you forever.

a great man and a wonderful friend, an inspiration to my life.  love and sympathy to all who cared about him, and especially to my friend Dede.

There are people that come into your life only for a short time and nevertheless change it forever.  Bobby was such a person for me. He introduced me to the crazy O'Donnell clan and, in doing so, showed me what a wonderful and wacky adventure life can be. My love to you all.

Uncle Booby was a one of a kind, I will always remeber the way he helped me with English and taught me how to enjoy a book. Will always remeber the drive in the truck with him and aunt katie to go get Punkin, and stopping for ice cream at a random place but he said it was the best and he never was wrong about a burger or a shake! I will miss you love ya Aunt Eugene

Thank you for sharing Bob with Wakefield High School  He enriched many lives daily with his friendship, knowledge, and dedication.

Betty Sanders

A great man. An amazing teacher. An extraordinary friend . . .

My Thoughts and prayers are with the familyb
Willow

I've looked up to Bobby since we were seven years old.  He was always the guy that everyone wanted to be around.  He was a born leader and a born friend.

This was a man who made a difference to so many people. While time may assuage the pain of his loss, nothing will erase his place in our hearts. I am so proud to have known him as a boy and a man. His courage was an inspiration.

Bob was a childhood friend, a lifelong inspiration, and a decent human being in a world desperately short of decent human beings. Different paths meant we often discussed but never got together to walk the Antietam battlefield, fly-fish, or watch the annual Silbersiepe fireworks demonstration. We did, however, play wiffle ball in front of his house and football on the Martel's yard, race HO scale slot cars in the basement, and play hours of "dime-ante" poker. I watched him grow into a great adult, a teacher to rival Mr. Chips, and a humble human being who simply made those around him better.

Bobby was one of the finest people I've ever known. Funny, smart, athletic, passionate about his work and his students and incredibly courageous. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of beloved former Wakefield co-worker Bob.  My daughter Melanie and I send our deepest sympathy to Dede and all others of Bob's family.

OBITUARY

Robert E. O'Donnell

Murphy Funeral Homes

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