Obituary of Dennis J. O'Donnell

Dennis J. O'Donnell, aged 66, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024 at home. He was born on March 4, 1958, in Auburn, NY, to John and Evelyn P. O'Donnell. He was a lifelong resident of the City of Auburn and was a 1976 graduate of Auburn High School. He married Diane Carpenter (Walters) on September 25, 1982, in Auburn, NY at St. John's. They raised two children Rebecca and Denise. He was employed with the United States Postal Service for 25 years and completed his career as the Postmaster of Marcellus. After retirement he began working part-time at Meadowbrook Golf Course where he was known as the "Commish". Dennis was active for years with bowling, golf and softball. Along with his wife, they worked the concession stands at the Auburn little league fields and Babe Ruth field. Dennis held the position of President of the Babe Ruth League for several years. As a little league coach, in 1983, he coached the Auburn team to a win at the NYS Little League Championship against Colonie held in Elmira, NY. Dennis was an avid bowler his whole life along with serving on the local bowling Board of Directors for many years. Dennis met his wife Diane at the bowling alley, Cayuga Lanes. They both participated in and won many tournaments with Dennis placing as runner-up in the Annual Citizen Masters and Diane being crowned Champ of the Women's Citizen Masters twice. He was inducted the Auburn Bowling Hall of Fame in 2008, receiving the Outstanding Bowler Award and received the Meritorious Service Award in 2007. He also served on the NYS USBC Bowling Association for several years. In 2020, he was inducted into the NYS USBC Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, Dennis was the owner and operator of Bowler's Choice Pro Shop for 13 years. Dennis's passion for golf stretched for 40+ years. He was the Putt-Putt Champ at Arnold Plamer for many years. He continued playing golf and has been a member at Meadowbrook Golf Course for over 20 years. Running several leagues, golf trips with friends and working the desk at Meadowbrook which was the high point of his life. He started the Friday Night Couple league which now has 48 teams in which each and every member has a great time. Birdie Butter Forever!! He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters: Rebecca (Christopher) Young and Denise (Spencer) Restey; sister, Ann (Kyle) Fenton; brothers: Kevin (Jill), Patrick (Suzanne) and Sean (Susan); grandchildren: Brandon and Matthew Young, Michael (Jennifer) Stearns, Keelie (Dan) Hotchkiss; great-grandchildren: Brad and Nora; brothers-in-laws: Kevin (Terrell) Carpenter, Alan (Shirley) Carpenter and Roger Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Evelyn O'Donnell, and in-laws, Edwin and Beatrice Carpenter and sister-in-law, Karen Corgnell. Family, friends, and others are invited to Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South St., Auburn, NY, for calling hours Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church, 85 E. Genesee St., Auburn, NY with Reverend Louis Vasile as Celebrant. Followed by burial at St. Josephs Cemetery, Auburn, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the SPCA or local little league organization.