Joseph "Joe" O'Donnell April 16, 1941 – July 9, 2026

Joseph "Joe" O'Donnell, 85, died July 9, 2026, in Pittsburgh — the same city that had the misfortune, and the privilege, of raising him 85 years earlier.

Joe was born April 16, 1941, in Pittsburgh, son of Nora and Joseph O'Donnell. He was an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and was later stationed in Greenland, which solidified his intense hatred of the cold. After the Army, he came home and put in his time in the Homestead Steel Mills.

Off the clock, Joe was usually trying to get himself killed in some enjoyable way. He fished, he rode motorcycles, he flew airplanes, and he shot just about anything that could be legally shot. 

Joe had a tough exterior and a colorful personality, and anyone who knew him has at least one story to prove both. He was brother to William O'Donnell Sr. and others, uncle to Katie Young and Bill O'Donnell and their families, and close as family to Kenny Dittig and his family. He was also a friend and neighbor to many more.

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Monday July 13, 2026 from 8:30AM until 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Paul Cathedral at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you go ride your bike or shoot a few rounds off in his honor. Joe would have liked that a lot better anyway. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)