Stephen Patrick McCoy O'Donnell

Stephen was born on September 2, 1973, in Arlington Heights, Illinois to Patrick and the late Patricia O’Donnell. He is survived by his beloved partner Gail Guzior. Stephen was the proud father of Meg Matthews (Justin Jarrell) and Paddy O’Donnell, and dear brother to Con (Carissa), Mary (Jeff), and Margaret (Louis). He loved his nieces and nephews: Kyla, Brendan, Aidan, Clare, Louis, Patsy, and Mary.

At just 18, Stephen volunteered to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably until his discharge in 1995. Feeling the call to duty again, he joined the Army in 1999 and became an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and Team Leader and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Still feeling the call to serve, he became a Defense contractor and continued to support our nation’s Warfighters, going into harm’s way numerous times once again.

Stephen was known for his leadership, problem-solving mind, and his good-humored approach to getting things done.

Stephen devoted much of his time to advocating for his fellow combat veterans, most notably through his #22aday.

Stephen was an adventurer at heart—a free, rebel spirit with a deep love for his family, his EOD community, and music that moved his soul. Known to many as a Brother, he left a mark on all who knew him. Stephen's life was bold, loving, and unmistakably his own. He will be fiercely missed and forever remembered.

A Visitation for Stephen will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave. Lisle, IL 60532. Funeral Procession to follow, processing to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1450 Green Trails Dr, Naperville, IL 60540, for the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stephen's name to the EOD Warrior Foundation— a cause that mattered deeply to him.