Below is an obituary from Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home:
BOXFORD, MA — John D. “Jack” O’Donnell- of Boxford, formerly of Woburn and North Reading, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 at The Residence at Freeman Lake in North Chelmsford.
Jack was born on February 18, 1942, in Woburn, Massachusetts, and was the son of the late John and Helen (McLaughlin) O’Donnell. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy (Anderer) O’Donnell, who passed away in 2018. Jack and Nancy met while attending Woburn High School together.
He is survived by his three sons: John O’Donnell Jr. “Jack/Jake” and his wife MaryJane of North Chelmsford; Kevin O’Donnell and his partner Kathryn Debenedictis of Wakefield; and Jerome O’Donnell and his wife Janine of Schenectady, New York. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jessica and her husband Jay, Alyssa and her husband Anthony, Lauren and her husband Brian, Georgia and her husband Peter, Maureen and her husband Adam, and Emily. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Sydnie, Layla, MacKenzie, Sienna, Teddy, and Geo.
Jack is survived by his brother, Jerry O’Donnell and his wife Maureen of Laconia, New Hampshire, and his sister, Judy Bouvier of Bridgton, Maine, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend, business partner, and brother-in-law, Chuck Hannoosh of Boxford. In addition to his wife, Jack was predeceased by his sister Jeanne Hannoosh (O’Donnell) and his grandson Kevin O’Donnell Jr.
Early in life, Jack was a career truck driver, signing out for the last mile in 1975 when he and Chuck founded C&J Lawnmower in North Reading. The business continues to thrive today as C&J Equipment in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Despite the demands of small business ownership, Jack never lost his love of trucks and spent his free time restoring antique Mack and Brockway trucks. Through his membership in the Bay State Antique Truck Club, he enjoyed sharing this passion with fellow enthusiasts.
Jack and Nancy’s home was the heart of the family, hosting countless sleepovers with their grandchildren. Cherished memories include Jack’s Sunday trips to local farms with his “littles” to pick out donuts and muffins, followed by family dinners made perfect by his signature grilling skills. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow into adulthood, and he made a point to stay closely connected, affectionately calling each one regularly to chat and catch up. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family that will be deeply missed.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Residence at Freeman Lake for their care and compassion; Jack was always treated with kindness and dignity.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 2nd, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 