Celebrating the life of
Gerald Palmer O'Donnell, Jr.
December 19, 1925 - August 07, 2008
Gerald Palmer O'Donnell, Jr.
SAVANNAH- Gerald Palmer O'Donnell, Jr., 82, of Savannah, GA, died Thursday,
August 7, 2008 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Oakland, CA on December 19, 1925 and was an active parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Church since 1970.
He attended the Colorado School of the Mines then joined the Navy and began his "Weatherman" career. "Jerry" worked for 39 years as a National Weather Serviceman, and was stationed in some of the most difficult locations in the world. He went to the Arctic Circle, Siberia, a small isolated island in the South Pacific and finally the Dominican Republic where he met his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Magaly Messina O'Donnell.
He is survived by his wife, daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Tom Gue living in Birmingham, ALA, granddaughters Nicole and Kristen Gue; daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Eddie Aenchbacher of Savannah, GA, grandchildren, Jesse and Lainey Aenchbacher.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August, 10, 2008 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. with a Vigil Service at 6:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Cabrini on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Inner City Shelter, Elks Scholarship Fund, and Hospice Savannah, Inc.
Magaly, We have been friends and neighbors for 23 years. In all that time, I never remember when Jerry wouldn’t stop and say “Hello†and chat for awhile. Anytime our family needed assistance he was always there for us. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely and With Our Sympathy, Pat, Ray and the Chaput Family
- Raymond Chaput, Savannah, GA
Michelle and Family: I was so sorry to read of the death of your father. When we spoke at Candler I could tell you and your mom were working so hard to find out what was wrong.Please know you and all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jennie also wanted to tell Lainey that she loves her. Nancy
- Nancy Lawson, Savannah, GA
Magaly, Cathy and Michelle, I'm very sorry to hear about Gerry's passing. I will remember him as a great man who not only stood tall in a doorway but also stood tall in life. He was an important figure in my teenage years and I always will admire his quiet nature and his infinite love for the three of you. I'll pray for his soul. Que Dios lo tenga en su Gloria. Wilma
- Wilma Linares, Potomac, MD
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing! I just read the obit or I would have tried to attend the funeral. Please give my love to your Mom! I didn't know your Dad, but from the other posts, he must have been a wonderful man! May God bless you and your family with the strength and the faith to carry on! Love, Maureen
- Maureen O'Connor Simmons, Savannah, GA
I just read the newspaper 30 minutes ago and saw the obit for Mr. O'Donnell. If I had known earlier,I would have come to the services. I am sorry for your losses, Mrs O;Donnell and his daughters Kathy and Michelle. Despite all of our work together,he never mentioned that he was such an accomplished man. I grew to know him as a wonderful man.
- KEN WILLIAMS PT, Savannah, GA
I was the electronic technician at the weather office and worked with Jerry from 1970 until his retirement. He was a fine fellow and I always thought the world of him. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Bill and Marlene Bridges
- Bill Bridges, Garden City, GA
Magaly, Michele, and Kathy, My heart goes out to you and your family. I have such fond memories of Jerry. I will always remember the kindness he showed my grandmother after my grandfather passed away. He did all of her yard work for months without being asked and refused any kind of payment my grandmother offered. He was the epitome of good neighbor and good friend to both of my grandparents and I am forever grateful to him for that. I can still see him in church in his signature Hawaiian shirt. Did you know that Sam secretly competed with him to see who would wear the loudest shirt to church? Needless to say Jerry usually won! I honestly can't imagine St. Frances Cabrini without him. He will be greatly missed by many for a long time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Sam and Sheila Crossley, Savannah, GA
Magaly, We have been friends and neighbors for 23 years. In all that time, I never remember when Jerry wouldn’t stop and say “Hello†and chat for awhile. Anytime our family needed assistance he was always there for us. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely and With Our Sympathy, Pat, Ray and the Chaput Family
- Raymond Chaput, Savannah, GA
Michelle and Family: I was so sorry to read of the death of your father. When we spoke at Candler I could tell you and your mom were working so hard to find out what was wrong.Please know you and all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jennie also wanted to tell Lainey that she loves her. Nancy
- Nancy Lawson, Savannah, GA
Magaly, Cathy and Michelle, I'm very sorry to hear about Gerry's passing. I will remember him as a great man who not only stood tall in a doorway but also stood tall in life. He was an important figure in my teenage years and I always will admire his quiet nature and his infinite love for the three of you. I'll pray for his soul. Que Dios lo tenga en su Gloria. Wilma
- Wilma Linares, Potomac, MD
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing! I just read the obit or I would have tried to attend the funeral. Please give my love to your Mom! I didn't know your Dad, but from the other posts, he must have been a wonderful man! May God bless you and your family with the strength and the faith to carry on! Love, Maureen
- Maureen O'Connor Simmons, Savannah, GA
I just read the newspaper 30 minutes ago and saw the obit for Mr. O'Donnell. If I had known earlier,I would have come to the services. I am sorry for your losses, Mrs O;Donnell and his daughters Kathy and Michelle. Despite all of our work together,he never mentioned that he was such an accomplished man. I grew to know him as a wonderful man.
- KEN WILLIAMS PT, Savannah, GA
I was the electronic technician at the weather office and worked with Jerry from 1970 until his retirement. He was a fine fellow and I always thought the world of him. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Bill and Marlene Bridges
- Bill Bridges, Garden City, GA
Magaly, Michele, and Kathy, My heart goes out to you and your family. I have such fond memories of Jerry. I will always remember the kindness he showed my grandmother after my grandfather passed away. He did all of her yard work for months without being asked and refused any kind of payment my grandmother offered. He was the epitome of good neighbor and good friend to both of my grandparents and I am forever grateful to him for that. I can still see him in church in his signature Hawaiian shirt. Did you know that Sam secretly competed with him to see who would wear the loudest shirt to church? Needless to say Jerry usually won! I honestly can't imagine St. Frances Cabrini without him. He will be greatly missed by many for a long time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Sam and Sheila Crossley, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
