Cranberry CUP Beneficiary Shawn O'Donnell Succumbs to Cancer
A married father of four young children, O'Donnell was diagnosed with cancer last spring.
After battling inoperable liver and colon cancer since last May, Cranberry resident Shawn O’Donnell died Tuesday afternoon. He was 43.
A married father of four who was a longtime social studies teacher at Keystone Oaks High School, O’Donnell and his family were the beneficiaries of this year’s Cranberry CUP (Community Uniting People), a nonprofit dedicated to helping local families.
O’Donnell was present as his Pinehurst neighborhood took the CUP’s trophy during the nonprofit’s annual August softball tournament. The fundraiser features different neighborhoods and local businesses competing against each other.
On that day, the O'Donnell family, including O’Donnell’s wife, Tina, and their children, Nathan, Alex, Brayden and Mia, received a standing ovation as they arrived at Cranberry Community Park on a township fire truck.
As he spoke to the cheering crowd, O'Donnell shared the life lessons he had learned since being diagnosed with cancer. Among them were to always say "please" and "thank you," to tell your loved ones how much you care about them, and not to dwell on the small things.
"I know I sound like I'm preaching, and I do apologize, but be appreciative of what you have," he said as he briefly choked up. "You never know how much you love something until it can be taken away."
CUP founder Cathy Cortazzo also remembered how O’Donnell's eyes filled with tears as he expressed to her his gratitude for the friends and strangers who came out to support him at the tournament.
“He was so appreciative his children would have those memories,” Cortazzo said.
She called Shawn and his wife courageous and inspiring people who remained positive throughout O’Donnell's battle with cancer.
“He was so very sincere and loving,” Cortazzo said. “Tina is just unbelievable for how strong she is.”
Viewings for O'Donnell will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Devlin Funeral Home in Cranberry, according to the Cranberry CUP. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Killian Catholic Church in Cranberry.
Cortazzo said tax-deductible contributions to the O’Donnell family may be made through Cranberry CUP. For more information, visit the CUP’s website.
Patch wants to give the community a chance to post condolences and prayers for the O’Donnell family. Please show support or share memories in the comments section.
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Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company - Haine Station
Haine School Rd, Cranberry Township, PA (1629 Haine School Road)
julei
10:04 am on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
OD was my high school teacher and he did just that. I will never forget on 9-11 he came into my class room and said america is under attack and he was the only teacher who sat down with us and explained to us what was going on and let us watch the TV. He also tought me how to drive! Every time I m driving to close to someone I hear him saying so calmly "back off this car. Slow down". He was truly a wonderful man and he will never be forgotten. God bless his family with strength to get threw this hard time and may he rest in peace.
Lizabeth Gray
11:49 am on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I had a chance to meet Shawn and his family at the Cranberry Cup. I was there filming a video for Patch but when Shawn started speaking it became very difficult to concentrate on being behind the camera and not part of the day. His words about family, saying please, thank you and more, reminded me how important those around you are, that you should remember that every day. I took what Shawn said about creating a journal for my kids. Today I will write about Shawn and how he was the reason the journal was started. I want to thank Tina and the kids for sharing Shawn with us.
meagan
12:05 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I am one of the many student that had the pleasure of having OD as a teacher! He impacted so many lives throughout the many years that he taught at KO. I am so blessed to have known this wonderful man! I have a few memories of him that I will always think of many of which bring a smile to my face! He was an awesome teacher,father,husband,friend and person among several other things! He will be greatly missed! Heaven has gained one extra special angel! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
Allison Mckee
3:14 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
OD was a great teacher friend & person. my thoughts & prayers go out to his beautiful family. He will be loved & missed by all:) allison 2002
Ray Breier
3:55 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
OD you wer a great teacher you taught me not to give up and to think positve and i thank you for that,you fought hard and you will not be forgoten,my prayers go out to your family god bless you,thanks for teaching me,,,,RAY BREIER 2002
Ray Breier
4:02 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
THANK you od for what have taught me,thanks for teaching to stay positive and not to give up,my prayers go out to your family,god bless you,,,,,,,ray breier class of 2006
Pat Howard
6:44 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Shawn and I shared many stories about our "twins" We had ours first and he always made it a point to ask how they were doing when I went past his classroom. He was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. God bless his family and help them through this difficult time
Mike Smyczek
12:03 pm on Thursday, November 24, 2011
i had OD in highschool for a class and drivers ed, he was a great teacher, always enjoyed his class and he will be missed, R.I.P. O.D.