James E. O'Donnell passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, on April 19th, he was 94. James was born and raised in Providence RI, graduated from LaSalle Academy and Providence College. Mr. O'Donnell was an executive for New England Telephone Company for 39 years, retiring in 1974. He served in the US Navy during WWII, was a resident of Melrose for 53 years and wintered in Delray Beach, Florida for the past 30 years. James was a member of the N.E. Telephone Pioneers, was a charter member of Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose and was the oldest playing member at Bellevue. He was the beloved husband of Katherine E. (Shea) O'Donnell. Father of James K. O'Donnell & his wife Phyllis of KY and Mary Jane O'Donnell of Melrose. Brother of Eleanor Smith of FL. Grandfather of Leigh, Kevin and James. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday April 22nd at 10AM. Funeral Mass in the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield, at 11AM. Relatives and friends invited. There are no visiting hours. WWII Navy Veteran. Burial in St. Francis Cemetery Pawtucket, RI at 1:30PM. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton MA 02766. Visitation: Private Private