Lawrence J. O'Donnell

Born in Sarasota, FL, on July 14, 1953, Mr. O'Donnell grew up there and often shared fond memories of fishing and water skiing on the Sarasota Bay. He was In addition to serving as an altar boy for St. Martha's Church, he attended St. Martha's Catholic School as well as Sarasota High. He later earned his GED and went on to serve in the United States Army. He was trained in automobile mechanics and served in the Vietnam War. Upon leaving the military, Larry returned to Florida and eventually moved to Boise, ID. With intentions of heading back home to Florida, he stopped in New Jersey, and never left.

Larry worked as a mechanic for several years after settling in New Jersey and then became a commercial electrician and later a Lead DSL technician for Verizon. He loved working with computers and could fix almost anything. Friendships were built on his willingness to help a friend or family member with a project or an emergency. He was always there when you needed him.

His adventurous spirit was unwavering. He loved flying and realized his dream of becoming a private pilot in 1990. Sundays mornings were spent flying the sky of the Mid Atlantic and New England states. He also had a passion for building models, RC planes, cars, trains and boats. He rekindled his love of being on the water boating, fishing and jet skiing when his health prevented him from flying.

He was a devoted and loving father. He wanted his children to experience life and always encouraged them to pursue their dreams and passions.

Lawrence was pre deceased by his parents, Lawrence J. O'Donnell Jr. and Morrisene (Atchley) O'Donnell. Surviving is his loving wife of 33 years, Susanne; children Jennifer O'Donnell and Lawrence J. O'Donnell IV; grandson August McCall; siblings Michael O'Donnell and Kathleen Heim and her husband, Rick; Parent in-laws John and Joyce Scranton and Mary Marino; Brother and sisters in-laws John and Lisa Scranton, Raymond Scranton and Darla Keegan, Barbara and Nick Damenti, Mary and James Danna, Elana and Ted DeCrescenszo, Brian and Sue Scranton, Mike and Patty Keiser ; nieces Alyssa Longo, Alexa Scranton, Madison Danna, Sophie Scranton & Nicole Keiser; nephews Gerard Stone, Raymond Scranton, Timothy and Tommy Wojcik, Luke and Nicholas Damenti and Matthew DeCrescenszo; and many loving family and friends near and far.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 11AM the funeral home. Cremation will be private.