Neil B. "Sonny" O'Donnell, 85, died December 26, 2021. Born November 26, 1936 and raised in Kenmore, Neil graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1955. After serving in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division from 1955-1958, Neil met and married Jean Anne Buffington in 1960. He retired from Goodyear in 1995 after more than 25 years.
Preceded in death by Jean after 33 years of marriage; parents Margaret and Neil and sisters Peg O'Donnell and Sheila Brady; beloved granddaughter Emily Kisela and great-grandson Conner O'Donnell; and lifelong best friends Pete Povich and Paul "Geach" Leach,
Neil is survived by sister Rose O'Donnell (Deb Dahrling) of Seattle, WA; children Jennifer O'Donnell of Cincinnati, Stephanie Kisela and Chris O'Donnell of Akron, Tim O'Donnell (Julia) of Denver, CO, and Michael O'Donnell of Stow; eight beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His family will miss "the Irish Polka King's" twinkling blue eyes, quick wit, and a blunt manner that belied a tender heart.
Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 30, at Holy Family Church, 3179 Kent Rd., Stow, Ohio, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter.