John J. O'Donnell passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on March 24, 2014. He was 97 years of age. John was born in Chelsea on February 17, 1917 to the late Charles J. & Nora (Kelliher) O'Donnell. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and from Tufts University with an engineering degree. John served his country with pride during WWII as a 1st Lt. in the US Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. He worked for several years as a civil engineer in the US Army and for other private companies before becoming an agent for the United States Treasury; where he worked for over 30 years. Mr. O'Donnell lived in Melrose for most of his life and in Woburn, MA since 1981. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed going on golf outings and played at several local golf courses in the area. Mr. O'Donnell was a former member of the Incarnation Church Bowling League and was an avid Red Sox fan. John was the devoted father of John C. O'Donnell & his wife Patrice of Reading, James L. O'Donnell of Woburn, Michael J. O'Donnell & his wife Vicki of Rochester, NH and Patricia A. Kenworthy & her husband Scot of Melrose. Former husband of the late Sara E. (Brissette) O'Donnell. Proud grandfather of Jennifer, Josh, Michael Jr., Bridget, Matt, Tara, Molly & Jessica. Great grandfather of Owen John O'Donnell. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Saturday, April 5th from 9:00-10:00AM, followed by a service at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. WWII Army Veteran. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Melrose Veteran's Fund, c/o Ryan McLean, 562 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176.