Portland- Robert "Bob" O'Donnell of Portland, Maine and Bonita Springs, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 24,2021 at the age of 92. After several months of declining health, Bob died peacefully with his beloved wife Betty, and his children by his side.
Bob was born in Portland, Maine on October 14, 1928, the oldest of three children to parents Gladys & Paul O'Donnell. A Portland High School graduate, class of 1946; Bob joined the US Navy and served most of his years onboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. DD850 until honorably discharged in 1949.
Bob served in the Portland Fire Department for 23 years; starting on Engine 3 in 1952; he was promoted up the ranks to Lieutenant, Captain, then to District Chief, and retiring in 1974.
He was also a Mason and a member of the Kora Shriners for 25 years (1976-2001); a member of the Cycle Corps parade unit, a volunteer for the Shriners Burn Hospital in Boston, and a Jester member.
After retiring to Bonita Springs, Bob continued to serve his community as a volunteer and member of the vestry at Saint Mary's Church for 30 years. He also enjoyed music and played the banjo in the Bonita Village Band for 25 years.
Bob gave years of service to his country and community, but his greatest joy in life was being a family man. He married Betty in 1950, a love story lasting 70 years. They raised six children, and were blessed with eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He loved all family outdoor activities: Camping, Boating, Hiking, Skiing, Hunting, Fishing. He was the Dad that took his family to see the National Parks across the US, combining his love of county & family. The grandfather that loved you, danced at your wedding, and held your newborn for the 4th generation photo. His heart was fullest in Maine at family reunions, watching his children being parents and grandparents. Bob was the neighborhood's extra Dad, and the neighbor always willing to come over and help fix something. He was a person blessed with lifelong loyal friendships, and they became part of the O'Donnell family too. Bob lived a long & wonderful life, is loved by many, and will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his son Scott O'Donnell.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Reid O'Donnell; children & spouses Bruce & Irene O'Donnell, Doug & Sally O'Donnell, Beth & Rene Boucher, Glen & Robin O'Donnell, and Nancy & Jeremy Dalton; grandchildren Scott, Joseph, Patricia, Amber, Alanna, Hailey, Robert, Jeffrey; great-grandchildren Hunter, Tyler, Sophia, Chloe, Murphy, Scott, Maeve, Maura, Alison, Roman; sisters Jean Emmons and Carol Penta; and many nieces & nephews that loved Uncle Bob very much.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4-6 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, followed by a reception at the funeral home.
People wishing to honor Bob’s lifelong commitment to family can make donations to the Boston Shriners Hospital for Children, Burn Unit.
