Dr. Michael O’Donnell dies Feb. 15 at age 68

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. Dr. Michael O’Donnell, an Episcopal priest who worked with Catholic Charities of Central Colorado for several years and wrote a regular column in The Colorado Catholic Herald, died Feb. 15 in Ogdensburg, New York.

He was born on June 17, 1956 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Penncrest High School. He earned two master’s degrees, and was awarded a PhD from Kansas State University. He was a professor and researcher on family and adolescent strengths and was a pioneer in the fathering movement. He presented his research before the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, and was invited by the government of Singapore to present and advise on creating strong families. Michael authored or co-authored seven books, including “What a Son Needs From His Dad” and “The Oz Syndrome: Coming Home to Find Contentment in the Sacredness of the Family.”

He also served as a chaplain in the army reserves at Fort Riley in Kansas.

However, his highest calling was that of priest. Michael was ordained in the Episcopal Church and dedicated the second half of his life to serving God and God’s people as a priest. He served in Colorado Springs at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ogdensburg, and most recently, at Grace Episcopal Church in Canton, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel, his son Patrick with wife Julia O’Donnell, his daughter Kayla with husband Zachary Guerbe, and three grandchildren Willow, Sage, and Forest. Michael is also survived by his twin Richard O’Donnell and his older brother William O’Donnell, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Michael is predeceased by his daughter Cara O’Donnell, his father William Francis O’Donnell, his mother Valia Jennings, and his sister Desu (Dee) Reynolds.