William J. "Bill" O'Donnell, Sr. passed away at the Epoch Senior Care Center in Melrose, on Monday, September 12, 2011. He was 79 years of age. Bill was born in Somerville, MA on July 30, 1932 to the late John A. & Mary T. (Kane) O'Donnell. He was predeceased by his sister Mary (Chickie) Penta & her husband Laurence (Larry) Penta of Malden. Bill was raised in Somerville, graduated from St. Clements High School, Class of 1950 and had been a resident of Melrose for over 50 years. Mr. O'Donnell worked as a letter carrier for the U. S. Postal Service for 35 years in Cambridge, Arlington, Melrose and in the post office in Melrose & Malden. He was a professional piano player, playing the piano since the age of 11 and played with many well know artists including the Billy Radd Arlington Orchestra. Bill was the beloved husband of 59 years to Geraldine M. (Ritchie) O'Donnell. Father of William J. O'Donnell Jr. (Melrose PD) & his wife Carol, Elizabeth Coughlin & her husband Michael, Joan Amaral & her husband William, John O'Donnell, Carol Casey & her husband Robert, Geraldine O'Donnell, Mark O'Donnell and Eugene O'Donnell. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild, 4 nieces & 1 nephew. Funeral services and burial were private. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home in Melrose.