Obituary of Hugh Thomas O'Donnell

Hugh Thomas O’Donnell passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 79 years old. Friends and relatives may visit the afternoon of Friday, April 29th from 4pm to 8pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A prayer service followed by military honors will begin at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org to the American Heart, or Lung Association, or a charity of your choice. Born to the late John and Margaret O’Donnell, Hugh was one of seven children. After his schooling, he proudly served his country with the US Marines. Upon his honorable discharge, he settled in Parsippany, NJ and raised his family. Hugh worked for the Township of Parsippany -Troy Hills for many years, retiring as Senior Housing Inspector in 1998. He enjoyed his job as it afforded him opportunities to meet new people every day, and be out and about. He was a loyal and uncompromising Boston Red Sox fan, a Democrat through and through, and was quite proud of his Irish roots. Always with a sweet tooth, Hughie enjoyed a glass of Bailey’s, or even better- a Reese’s peanut butter cup. Above everything in this world he loved his family; especially his seven adoring grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen Frances O’Donnell “Kaye” of 28 years; children Carol F. Hooper, Loren J. O’Donnell, Rebecca S. O’Donnell, and step children James T. Reeves and Dorothy A. Velez and his sisters Elizabeth "Betsy" Woods and Margaret "Peggy" Hawkins. Hugh was the loving “Pop Pop” to Stephanie Rosemary Heady, Molly Ina O’Donnell, Daniel Kyle Hooper, George Richard Velez, Jr., Victoria Dorothy Velez, Jake Liam Kapp, Cassie Grace Kapp; and he was a great relative and friend to so many more. His sisters Carol Perdek and Mildred O’Donnell and his brothers Jack and Thomas O’Donnell preceded him in death.