Joseph P. O'Donnell Jr.

Mr. Joseph P. O'Donnell Jr. - of South Boston, formerly of Belmont and Waltham, died Friday, November 25, 2022, in Tufts Medical Center after an illness. He was 73.

Joseph was born on September 13, 1949, in Somerville a son of the late Joseph P. and Marie R. (Murphy) O'Donnell. He graduated from Xavier High School in Concord in 1967 and then earned his Bachelor's degree in business from Boston College in 1971.

Joe owned and operated Waverley News, a newspaper distribution company in Belmont for over thirty years.

He enjoyed sports and was an active coach in Waltham youth sports. He coached both baseball and basketball at Kennedy Middle School and North Waltham Little League. Joe always treasured time with his family and loved music by the Clancy Brothers.

He leaves his children, Michael P. O'Donnell (Kristi) of North Attleborough, Matthew J. O'Donnell (Julie Choi) of Medford, Keith M. O'Donnell (Kate) of Billerica and Meaghan O'Donnell (Laura O'Donnell) of Worcester; grandfather of Laney, Shamus, and Emily O'Donnell, Lucas and James O'Donnell and Oliver O'Donnell; brother of Kevin O'Donnell (Gail) and Stephen O'Donnell, all of Waltham and the late Brian O'Donnell; also survived by nieces & nephews and his former wife, Carolyn L. O'Donnell of Athol; longtime companion of the late Gail Rose Cranshaw.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joseph’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, December 4th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.