Rev. William J. O'Donnell

Pastor Emeritus of the former Holy Family Church, New Philadelphia, died on

Friday, 20 February 2015, at the age of 86, at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem,

Pennsylvania. A native of Bethlehem, Father ODonnell was the son of the late Urban W. and Marcella E. (McFadden) ODonnell.

He is survived by sisters, Sister Saint Urban, S.S.J., Flourtown; Kathleen ODonnell, Bethlehem, and Theresa, wife of Stephen Donchez, Bethlehem; a cousin, the Reverend Monsignor William J.J. ODonnell, Warminster. He was preceded in death by brothers Joseph, Urban, James, Anthony, John, Michael, Thomas and Francis; sisters, Mary, Patricia, Lucy, and Marcella Sharkan.

Father ODonnell attended Holy Infancy Parochial School, Bethlehem, and

Bethlehem Catholic High School. He studied for the Priesthood at Saint Charles

Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. He was ordained to the Priesthood on 10 May 1952 by The Most Reverend John F. OHara, C.S.C., Archbishop of Philadelphia, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Father ODonnells first Priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Church, Girardville, followed by Parochial Vicar, Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Minersville, and Parochial Vicar, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Church, Easton. He also served as Chaplain, United States Air Force. Father ODonnells first Pastoral assignment was at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Reading, and Administrator, Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Reading, followed by Pastor of the former Holy Family Church, New Philadelphia. During the course of his Priestly Ministry, Father ODonnell served as a Member of the Advisory Board for Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary High School, Pottsville. Upon retirement, Father ODonnell was named Pastor Emeritus of the former Holy Family Church, New Philadelphia.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Father ODonnell will be celebrated at Holy Infancy

Church, 312 East Fourth Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by His Excellency, the Most

Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown, on Wednesday, 25 February 2015, at

11:00 AM. The Reverend Monsignor William J.J. ODonnell, Pastor Emeritus, Nativity

of Our Lord Church, Warminster, will be the Homilist. Main Concelebrants will be the Reverend Monsignor Alfred A. Schlert, Vicar General; Reverend Monsignor Gerald E. Gobitas, Secretary for Clergy, Chancellor, and Rector, Holy Family Villa, Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Biszek, Pastor, Holy Infancy Church, and Reverend Monsignor William J.J. ODonnell. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, 25 February 2015, in Holy Infancy Church, Bethlehem, before Mass from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Holy Savior Cemetery, Bethlehem. Priests from the Diocese of Allentown wishing to concelebrate, please bring your Diocesan Vestments; all others alb and white stole. Diocesan priests are reminded of their obligation to celebrate two Masses for Father ODonnell.

Viewing
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral Mass
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
11:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531