John Robert O'Donnell Jr.

Born on February 4, 1932, Joe O'Donnell grew up in Los Angeles where he attended St. Paul's Grammar School, Loyola High School ('50) and went on to graduate from the University of Southern California, School of Architecture. Shortly after graduating from college, Joe was drafted into the Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Hood and served with the 2nd Engineer Group, Construction helping rebuild Korea after the war.

Upon his return from Korea, Joe began his long career as an architect, spending over 50 years designing projects throughout the western United States with firms including the Charles Luckman Partnership, AC Martin, and DG Curran Associates. Joe was part of the architecture team responsible for such buildings as the Aon Center (then the tallest building in Los Angeles), the "Fabulous" Forum, Aloha Stadium, LAX International Theme Building and the Los Angeles Zoo.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jeanette who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, his four boys, Sean, Quinn, Matthew, and Brennan, and their wives, Davina, Eloise, Anait and Catherine Gravel, Brennan's fiancé. The O'Donnells have five grandchildren, Evan, Ryan, Finn, Emory and Arusiak.

Joe delighted in his family and greatly enjoyed his years as a husband, father and grandfather. He was always a gentleman, told great stories, was an avid reader, loved coaching AYSO in Manhattan Beach, and watching soccer. Like his buildings, he had strength, character, honesty, and was always welcoming. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The funeral mass will be Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 AM at American Martyrs Church.