Cornelius "Connie" O'Donnell

Cornelius “Connie” O’Donnell passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 2nd, surrounded by his loving family, with laughter and stories filling the home he shared with his beloved wife of 68 years, Fran. He was 95 years old, just six weeks shy of his 96th birthday and as everyone knew, Connie loved HIS birthday.

Born in the beautiful County Donegal, Ireland, to Owen and Madgie O’Donnell, Connie was the fifth of eight children. He cherished his Irish roots, fondly remembering his days as an altar boy at St. Columba’s and learning to swim off the docks of Burtonport. He remained close to his siblings throughout his life, often recounting their childhood mischief with great humor. Connie was the last surviving member of the "Owenie Anne" family, predeceased by Anne (Jim) Cooney, Hugh (Rosaleen), Patrick, Danny, Mary (Tommy) Sweeney, Eugene (Mary), and Margie (Jack) Quille.  

As a young man, Connie ventured far from home to help support his family, working in England, Scotland, and eventually Saudi Arabia. In 1955, he immigrated to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he met and married the love of his life, Frances Gallagher, in 1957. He became a bus driver for Public Service (now NJ Transit), where he was a favorite among passengers. Connie didn’t just drive buses, he made memories. He was often requested for charter trips, which he later began organizing himself, especially for senior groups and Irish clubs and even SJV 8th grade class trips!  Cape Cod, Wildwood, and Vermont were among the regular destinations, and passengers could always count on Connie at the microphone with stories, songs, and laughter. Strangers often left those trips as friends.

Family was the heart of Connie’s world. He and Fran raised five daughters and survived the teenage years with only one telephone line. Connie was delighted when sons-in-law joined the family and brought a bit more male company to his world of girls. But his most treasured title was Pop Pop. To his 14 grandchildren, each of whom believed they were his favorite, Connie gave the gift of being truly seen and loved. His 17 great-grandchildren will remember him for his playful spirit and constant joking, he rarely took life too seriously, except when it came to his faith and his Fran. Connie’s life was lovingly anchored by his wife, Fran, the quiet force behind his every step. For 68 years, she kept his world running smoothly by making sure he was well fed, well dressed, and, when necessary, well behaved. If ever a question was asked, Connie’s eyes would go straight to Fran, waiting for her subtle nod or knowing glance before answering because she always knew the right answer anyway.  

Connie always joked that he was a “humble man” while he gave a playful wink, but what we truly knew though is that he really was a humble man who would give you the seat that he was sitting in, the sandwich that he was eating or very quietly slipping money into someone's hands that he surely knew needed it more than him.  

A devout Catholic, Connie’s deep faith guided his life. He was a founding parishioner of St. John Vianney Church in Colonia, where he remained active for decades. Even in his later years, he insisted on attending Mass, no matter how difficult it became to get there. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the SJV Seniors, where he organized many beloved trips and St. Patrick’s Day dances. His Irish pride ran just as deep, he was an active member of the Woodbridge American Irish Association and was honored as American Irishman of the Year in 2005.

Connie is survived by his cherished wife, Fran, and their five daughters: Eileen (John) Ammon, Margaret (Rich) Savner, Ann (Gary) Lanza, Mary (Kevin) Cruise, and Tricia (Jorge) Gomez. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Margie (Rick) DiLollo, Mary (Steve) Pierce, Jacki (Jeff) Rozanski, Chris (Erin) Ammon, Katie (Chris) Kiggins, Katie (Justin) Levatino, Leeann Lanza, Richard (Megan) Savner, Meghan (Will) Griffin, Kerrilynn (Dillon) Gilbertson, Matthew Cruise, Justin Gomez, Victoria Gomez, and Timmy Gomez. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren: Lauren, Allie, Luke, and Tommy DiLollo; John Paul, Mia, Emma, and Andrew Pierce; Zach, Max, Abby, and Tessa Rozanski; Kennedy, Richard, and Amelia Savner; Liam Kiggins and Jack Levatino. Sister-in-law Ann (Mal) Forrester. Connie also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

As we remember Connie, may it be with joy, laughter, and time spent with those you love. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to St. John Vianney Church.  After all, if he had ever won the lottery, the first million was already promised to the church!

A funeral Mass celebrating Connie’s life will be held at St. John Vianney Church in Colonia on Saturday, June 7th at 9:45 followed by interment at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories at Gosselin Funeral home on Friday, June 6th from 4-8pm.  

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