Obituary of Thomas John O'Donnell

Mr. Thomas John O´Donnell, age 64 of Mayfield, died Monday, December 22, 2008 at Mountain Valley Hospice, Gloversville. He was born November 24, 1944 in Gloversville, the son of the late Joseph and Julia Ferrara O´Donnell. He attended Gloversville schools and graduated from Fulton Montgomery Community College with an Associates of Science degree. He worked at General Electric Company, Iva Knitting Mill and also as a Park Ranger for the New York State Conservation Dept. Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4-1/2 years during the Cuban Crisis and the Vietnam War. He received the Marksmanship Medal. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Gloversville and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Fulton County. He spent many memorable times with his Little Brother Jeremy Burrell for 14 years. Tom delivered Meals on Wheels for seniors and helped prepare and serve meals at Sacred Heart Church for Friday´s Table. He enjoyed gardening and was an excellent chef. An avid fisherman and hunter, in his younger years he played softball and recently enjoyed golfing, kayaking, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, swimming, walking Lakeside Drive and traveling. He is survived by his wife, the former Karen Visconti, whom he married on June 10, 1972. Also surviving are his sister, Lucia O'Donnell Seren George of Gloversville; sister-In-law, Nancy Ameduri Ralph of Fairport; brother-in-law, Edward Visconti Judy of Gloversville; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, John O'Donnnell and Carmen O'Donnell; and his sister, Maria O'Donnell Novak. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 10:15 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Gloversville. The Rev. Thomas Morrette will be the celebrant. Cremation will follow at Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Final interment will be at Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.