The wake for Father James P. O’Donnell will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. May 10 in St. Malachi Church, 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland. Bishop Edward Malesic will be the presider and Father Bob Sanson will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 7 p.m.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will be the principal celebrant at Father O’Donnell’s 11 a.m. funeral Mass on May 11 in St. Malachi Church. The homilist will be Father Anthony Schuerger.
Father O’Donnell, 96, died on May 5.
He was born to the late Owen and Margaret (Keaveney) O’Donnell on April 10, 1930.
Father O’Donnell was educated at St. Philomena School in East Cleveland; Cathedral Latin High School in Cleveland; St. Jerome’s College in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland.
Archbishop Edward Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, 1956 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Father O’Donnell’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Colman Parish, Cleveland. He was transferred to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon, on June 14, 1962 to serve as parochial vicar. He also served as director of the Holy Name Society, Lorain Deanery, effective June 30, 1965 and as moderator of the Elyria Cursillo Center, effective Dec. 8, 1967.
On June 13, 1968, Father O’Donnell was appointed diocesan director of the Catholic Youth Organization with residency at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma, where he also served as parochial vicar. On June 16, 1969, Father O’Donnell changed his residence to Camp Isaac Jogues in Madison to serve as chaplain there. Then on Sept. 29, 1969, his residence changed to St. Augustine Parish in Cleveland, where he was appointed as parochial vicar. In addition, he also provided assistance at Rose-Mary Home.
Father O’Donnell was appointed parochial vicar in residence at St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland on Aug. 4, 1974. He was appointed parochial vicar of SS. Philip and James Parish in Cleveland on Nov. 20, 1976. On June 8, 1977, Father O’Donnell was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish (East 23rdStreet and Woodland Avenue), Cleveland.
From June 8, 1977 until his retirement on Feb. 23, 2018, Father O’Donnell ministered to the poor at the Central City Ministry with the Poor.
Those who knew him said Faither O’Donnell spent his life ministering to and caring for the poor and those most in need. They said he considered everyone a brother and sister and did his best to promote and raise awareness for those without a voice. He positively impacted the lives of many through his love, care, service and presence, they said, adding he will be missed greatly.
Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon.