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.
