Timothy O'Donnell

The angels escorted Timothy Michael O’Donnell home on February 19, 2025, he was surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters. He was born on February 14, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and Lake Erie College, with a degree in Chemistry.

Timmy was known for his intense work ethic from his days as a paper boy to his last days at Millenium (INEOS Pigments). He also worked at Hall Chemical Company and Arvesta. He was very dedicated, and his daughters have fond memories of early Saturday morning truck rides (and snacks) to check the production at the plant.

He loved grocery shopping at Giant Eagle, the outdoors, gardening, fishing, boating, riding his tractors, traveling with his family, his foray into farming, and just about all living creatures except snakes and snapping turtles.

Through the years, Tim was the most fun Girl Scout Leader, soccer coach, supported the YMCA swim team, intensely volunteered to fundraise for Erin’s European Soccer Tour, and otherwise supported any and all endeavors his daughters undertook. Dad was famous for taking over school projects and making them bigger than life. We truly could not take the bus with many school projects due to Dad’s enthusiastic involvement.

He taught us it’s not possible to give too much or love too much, because it will always come back to you. He was human sunshine and known for his extravagant acts of love. He taught us if you can’t show up in person, send food. If you don’t buy the first round, buy the second one. There’s no such thing as a stranger, just friends you haven’t met yet. He was the epitome of “the more the merrier”. Dad always said to just put food out and if people don’t have a great time, it’s their own fault. Fun and merriment, witty comments, and shenanigans are what Dad is famous for.

Dad was tough and told us we could do or be anything. He survived raising two Vets, a veterinarian and a combat Marine Veteran and blamed his gray hairs on us. Dad supported Veterans and was a member of Sons of the Legion, American Legion Jay Wilson post 112.

He continues to be cherished by his wife, Margaret (Toomey); daughters, Dr. Margee (Mike) O’Donnell-Foust and Erin O’Donnell, incredibly beloved granddaughter Maeve Foust, brothers and sisters; Dr. James (Susan), Maryann (Cliff) Sleinsky, Maggie Martin, Kate Harrison, Joseph (Lynette), Terry Bahniuk, and Rich (Rose), sister-in-laws; Katie Wenz, Sarah (Eric) Roessler; brother-in-law Dennis Wenz, and so many loved and adored nieces, nephews, and friends.

Awaiting Tim in Heaven are his parents, James and Genevieve (Cullen) O’Donnell; in-laws Gilbert and Margaret (Thompson) Toomey; brother-in-law Rick Harrison; and beloved Goddaughter Kelly O’Donnell Friedlander.

In lieu of flowers, we request people regularly perform an act of kindness or good deed in Dad’s honor. Please consider supporting a fundraiser, leaving $20 in the mailbox for the mail person, overtip someone, pay for the order behind you, donate to a food pantry, buy too much Boy Scout popcorn and give it away, hand out full size candy bars at Halloween, or go so far as assist leading a Girl Scout Troup or kid’s sports team. Whenever you go overboard with kindness, generosity, cooking, or showering love you will be “pulling a Timmy O’Donnell”. Please consider being an organ donor, like Dad. It would make him so happy to know he continues to help others.  He was one in a million; he had a good run. Our team will continue even with him “off the roster”. Dad is walking through the aisles of Heavan’s grocery store planning his next feast.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 from 3-7 pm at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison.  Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com