HUDSON FALLS – Barry R. “Lefty” O’Donnell, 78, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on April 28, 1936, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Dorothy (Hunt) O’Donnell.
“Lefty” was a member of the Hudson Falls Class of 1955. Upon his graduation, he was drafted and served in the United States Army in active service from 1956 to 1960 and in the reserves until 1963. At the time of his honorable discharge he had earned the rank of Corporal.
Lefty worked his entire career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. He worked there for over 38 years, retiring as a Line Supervisor.
“Lefty” was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 81 in Queensbury, the Idle Hour Club in Fort Edward, a 25 Year Club Member of Niagara Mohawk and a lifelong member of the Kingswood Golf Club. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
Lefty was an outstanding 3 sport athlete at Hudson Falls High. He also loved bowling in his younger years. Upon retirement, Lefty golfed nearly every day with his regular group of buddies at Kingswood, garnering a hole in one on # 16. He loved playing the horses at OTB….you knew where you could find him most days at 11:30am, or afterwork at Reflections. He also loved coaching his 2 sons throughout their Little League years. Lefty looked forward most to Sunday night dinners at Massies with his sons Brian and Kelly, a tradition the three of them had for over 20 years. Sunday nights just won’t be the same. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons: Brian O’Donnell and his companion, Jessica McKenzie of South Glens Falls; Kelly O’Donnell of South Glens Falls; his grandchildren Michael and Rachel O’Donnell (Brian); Maddy O’Donnell (Kelly); his brother Edward O’Donnell and his wife Marcia; his nieces and nephews David O’Donnell, Scott O’Donnell and Lea Ellen O’Donnell. He is survived by his first wife, Elsie (Fort) O’Donnell and his second wife, Melody (Wood) O’Donnell. He also leaves behind his beloved cat Gracie.
Special thanks go out to his long time friend Mary Cunningham; his caregivers Rebecca DeCota and Doreen Mosher. The family would also like to thank Dr. Mihindu for his outstanding care over these past several years; Dr. Michael Layden and Dr. Daniel Dorsey; as well as the nurses and staff at the Glens Falls Renal Center, the Glens Falls Hospital and Fort Hudson Nursing Home.
Friends may call on Monday, May 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be celebrated at 10 am, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Glens Falls Renal Center, 3 Broad Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or the SPCA, PO Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Brian, Kelly and family. So sorry about your Dad. He was a great man and I had a lot of fun with him at Reflections over the years!
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.
Sincerely,
Chris and Craig Harrington
To: Brian and Kelly
Kathy and I wish to offer our condolence’s.
Terry and Kathy Wilson
Brian and Kelly – so sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you.
We will miss seeing him at our Stewarts shop across from ge he would come in occasionally for a double dip of chocolate and vanilla ice cream always had a smile on his face our condolonces
Dear Brian, Kelly & family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Keep all the great memories in your hearts until you meet again.
Love & Prayers to you all from myself & my brothers.
Brian, Kelly and families – Sending my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your Dad. May many fond memories see you through this difficult time.
Kelly & Brian…..I know how heartbroken you are right now, and I’m so sorry and sad. Things will never be the same, but it will get a little easier as time goes by. All my love & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Brian, Kelly, and families…
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad ( or “Mr Bear”, as my daughters would call him when they were quite small ) …He truly was a kind, funny man, with one of the loudest laughs and playful grins ! Many blessings for peace, as you face thew days ahead.
Brian and Kelly… I know you loved your dad very much. It all started for me in little league. I met him and you two and we are all friends for life. I will always remember his booming voice and big smile and he never swore. (lol) We had great times meeting him and my dad and you guys at reflections. I miss all of you and the Potvin family in South Carolina are sending our deepest sympathy. I will drink a beer for him tonight !!!!
I am sorry to hear about Barry, I worked with him at Nimo for a few years, he was a great guy to work with and a lot of fun, we were about the same age, I retired in1994′ had a few beers together we did, it may take a few years for him to get to heaven but then again so will I. Jack
Brian and Kelly Sorry to hear about yor dad. I had a great time working, both with him and for him. We did have a lot of fun together. I will truely miss him as I know the two of you will. Dave
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. It is obvious that you two shared a special father – son bond and loved each other deeply. Although I didn’t know him, I can tell you have many of his traits…you really do share his handsomeness and great smile…and these things will live in your heart forever. Take good care of YOU during this difficult time and know that you are in my heart and thoughts. You are blessed to have shared so many wonderful years with him. Robin
Brain and Kelly, so sorry to hear about your dad, my co worker, my boss and most of all my friend. Sorry this is late getting to you, I will miss him as I know you guys will miss Sunday night together. thoughts are with you both