Dennis Vernon O'Donnell's Obituary
Dennis Vernon O'Donnell
Devoted husband and father Dennis Vernon O'Donnell passed away on June 13 in Redlands, California. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret, his five children, Elizabeth (Jonathan Reed), Joseph, Maureen (James Gellerman), Amy, Kathleen (Ryan Grimm), and four grandchildren (Madison, Nathan Reed; Zoe, Meagan Gellerman).
Dennis was a 27-year veteran of the US Air Force. Having enlisted in 1966, he became an officer 12 years later, and retired in 1993 at the rank of Major. He was an enthusiastic skier, an avid gardener and, above all, a passionate railroader: the railroad miniatures he skillfully modeled have been included in feature film and a Smithsonian exhibit, and he never missed an opportunity to ride a train. Dennis was very active in St. Adelaide's Catholic parish, where he served as a catechist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for 23 years, Parish Council member, Eucharistic minister and Lector.
Dennis will best be remembered by those who love him for his story-telling, his playful sense of humor, his engaging friendliness, and boundless generosity.
Memorials may be given to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA; with a Rosary at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 18 2012 at St. Adelaide Catholic Church 27457 Baseline, Highland, CA. Interment will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA, staging area #3.
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