On Sunday, February 21, Lawrence “Larry” O’Donnell, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at the age of 90. A storyteller and master of the corny joke, Larry regaled his family over the years with made-up songs and tales of his childhood in Norwalk, Ohio: Missing 13 free throws in a one-point loss to Milan, spitting across Main St., leading the Norwalk St. Paul football team in receiving yards with eight, the great pop-stealing caper… “Papa” also loved to draw and be silly with his grandchildren Maddie, Ian, Erin, Shane, Kathleen, Larry and Megan. His 38 nieces and nephews will attest that their Uncle Larry was always fun to be around.
A 55-year resident of Willoughby Hills, Larry could connect with anyone with the use of a sappy joke or by speaking Slovenian (which he was not) while campaigning for office, selling poppies for the Lion’s Club, or collecting funds for the Leukemia Society. Larry fully immersed himself in the Willoughby Hills community, serving as Treasurer and then Councilman. He coached baseball, served on the Recreation Commission, oversaw the fundraising and construction of the Veteran’s Memorial and volunteered at countless community events. Outside of his city, he put his efforts into his church, St. Felicitas, where his children: Larry (deceased), John (Patrice), Peggy (Gary) Osborne, and Mary Kay (Chris) O’Donnell attended school. He was a Cub Scout leader, a church lector, Bingo volunteer and became a first-time altar server at the age of 70.
Larry was a Korean War veteran, spending time on Okinawa and learning the Japanese language so he could teach his kids the proper name for a fork (forku). Before he shipped off for duty, he had a blind date with Rosie Magyar. The 15-year-old Rose didn’t care much for Larry, but once he got back stateside, a love affair commenced that would last over 50 years. Larry graduated from John Carroll University, could say goodnight in 20 languages, loved to work on home projects and yardwork, and never did admit to eating the 15 Oreos in one sitting. He was truly one-of-a-kind, a gentle soul with a twinkle in his eye. He will be truly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Larry to W.H.I.S.P.E.R. program, which assists WH seniors who need help with lawn care, home repairs, meals, companionship, etc. Checks payable to The City of WH, Isolated Seniors Program, 35405 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, February 25, 2021 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church 140 Richmond Rd., Euclid at 11 AM. Social distancing and masks required. Mass will be Livestreamed. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD.
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paul smith
Dear Larry Peggy and Mary Kay and family so sorry to see Uncle Larry go he is truly One of a Kind love reading his obituary it was a fun one yes he always had a corny joke or the norwalk handshake . He was truly a great man he is back playing horseshoes with Uncle Frank and Dad sorry we cannot attend funeral God bless all of you your cousin paul
Barb and Duane
The obituary was beautiful and we so agree with how remarkable Uncle Larry was. We will truly miss him and are glad that he is now able to celebrate with the love of his life and many of his family and friends. We love you guys and are praying for you to all find peace and comfort.we wonder who the team mates are with uncle Frank uncle Paul uncle Larry and grandpa with cousin Larry keeping score
Evans family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow. Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you. Truly sorry for your loss.
Sharon Page
Dear Peg and family. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I remember him well. You have our deepest sympathy. The Page family
Chris Faith
John, Peggy and Mary Kay,
So many of my childhood memories are of the baseball field he built in the backyard. He helped my grandparents in their later years. He was very funny and lovable and will be missed
My deapest sympathies.
Pattie
I can hear the bagpipes already as he enters the pearly gates ! Your mom will greet him with the biggest hug and kiss while Rocky’s tail will be wagging by her side. Grandma will holding a big tray of cinnamon rolls and grandpa will be calling him over for a game of long overdue horseshoes with Uncle Paul, my dad and your brother keeping score , there might even be an Indians game on an old transitor radio, what a glorious site ! Their not gone – just gone on ahead … miss all of the everyday..
Larry Berthold
Peg, Gary, Erin, and Larry, and family. Cathy and I are so sorry for the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Our hearts go out to all of you in prayer and with comforting thoughts at this time of loss. May the Good Lord give you comfort and peace during this trying time. With love, Cathy and Larry
Tim & Kathy Smith
Sending all our love and prayers to the family in the loss of our wonderful Uncle Larry. My best memories of Uncle Larry are all the stories he would tell about Norwalk and various family members and their escapades. He could tell a story like no other. He was a remarkable man in so many ways that when I told my own children that he had passed they too remembered him fondly. Kathy only got to meet him once but instantly loved his mischievous grin and his warm smile. I am sure he is rejoicing in heaven with Aunt Rose and my dad and they are catching up on all the good old days they shared together back when Aunt Rose didn’t really like him much. lol.. Thoughts and prayers of peace for all and we are sorry we cannot attend his service- we will be there in thought and spirit. Love, Tim & Kathy Smith
Joe and Maggie Zawatski
We are so heartbroken to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man, sending all of our love to the O’Donnell family during this time. He brought so many laughs, smiles and words of wisdom to our family that we will be forever grateful for.
Paul and Dolores McGaffey
Virtual hugs and kisses to Mary, Peggy and John. Your dad was a loving man and we have many fond memories of time together at your family home. Dolores especially remembers Larry helping her with her Algebra in high school while he was courting your mom. He taught me the Japanese word “arrigato”back then and I still remember it. Lots of love.
Anne Holaus
John, Peggy & Mary Kay,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a great man and will be missed.
John Magyar
I still sing all the silly songs that Larry thought me. I still remember getting sick from his old car in college because the exhaust fumes came into
The car. We were on our way to a John Carroll Football game with my sister Rose. He also had me eat cold hotdogs. The summer that they moved into their Willoughby Hills home, I worked clearing out old bushes and trees that they did not want. I taught my kids all the silly songs. There are either playing horseshoes or carton. LRry was a whiz at the game. Too many found memories and he brought a smile to so many people. He is now at peace with all those that he loved. Prayers to Kay. Peggy and John.
Glenn , Jessica , Bradley and Brent Harwood
So Sorry for Your Loss . He lived a Good Life with a Loving Family He was so Proud of ! God Bless !!
Blackburn Family
So very sorry for your loss.