Robert O'Donnell

Robert (Bob, ODE) O’Donnell, 90, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in San Diego, California. He was born on February 4, 1934, in Brockton Massachusetts to Edward and Mary O’Donnell. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, naval officer and neighbor.

After a brief stint at Bridgewater Teacher’s College, Bob joined the Navy in the late 50s. His early Navy service brought him to San Diego where he met his wife of 64 years, Dixie. They married in 1960 and together raised six children.

His 34 years in the Navy gave him and his family so much, including life-long friendships, a career that he excelled at, advancing from an enlisted seaman recruit to the rank of Commander, and travel and experiences that stretched from San Diego to the Pentagon to Spain, Iran and the Far East. Bob was also very involved with his community wherever he went. Serving as President of Southwest Little League, his heavy involvement in his kids Boy Scout activities and teaching English as a Second Language to new immigrants to the United States, just to name a few. He and Dixie were regulars at St. Charles Parish.

As his kids grew up and started their own families, there was nothing he enjoyed more than taking his grandkids to the beach, the park, the zoo or a museum.

Bob is survived by eight children, a sister, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though he is no longer with us in person, his love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Miramar National Cemetery in his memory: https://miramarcemetery.org/contribute/

A service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery on February 27, 2025 at 11:00.