Edward Francis McDonnell

Edward McDonnell, 82. of Deerfield Beach, Florida, passed away on May 22, 2025 attended by his devoted wife, Kathleen and his sister, Maureen. Ed was born August, 24, 1942 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Mary and Michael McDonnell being one of five children. After attending local school, he then went on to high school at Oratory Prep in Summit. He began playing basketball,at Oratory and earned a scholarship to St Michael's College in Vermont. Following College, he served in the US Army during Vietnam and was station for 2 years in Okinawa.

He began his 38 year career at Oratory in 1969. He was a teacher, basketball coach and Director of Athletics. As the first Director, he established the Department of Development. He retired in 2007, but remained a lifetime trustee of the Oratory Foundation. He also earned a Master's Degree in Counseling and worked several years as a Substance Abuse Counselor. When he retired from Oratory guests received a celebratory tee shirt noting Oratory as "The House that Ed Built".

Over the years he was an avid runner and participated in marathons. He ran in the New Your City Marathon in 1982 and participated in a marathon in Moscow in 1983 sponsored by a not for profit organization. When he retired to Florida, he enjoyed morning kayaking and teaching water aerobics. He met Kathleen in 2013 and they married in 4 years later. For over 50 years he was a dedicated friend of Bill.

Ed is survived by Kathleen, his sisters Maureen and Patty, nieces, nephews and step children. He is predeceased by his parents and sister Marilyn and brother Michael.

A visitation for Edward will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 4650 N Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. A funeral mass will occur Friday, June 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 1111 E Sample Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

Horizon Funeral Home is honored to assist Ed's family in their time of need.