Ernest O'Donnell, OFM

1916 – 1988

Fr. Ernest O’Donnell, OFM, was born Aug. 18, 1916 in Syracuse, N.Y. After two years at St. Bonaventure’s College in Allegany, N.Y., he entered St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, N.Y. He left the seminary in 1942 to join the United States Army and served as a radar operator in the Pacific during World War II.

Fr. Ernest returned to St. Bonaventure’s after the war and, after graduation, entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1950. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession on 1954. After ordination, Fr. Ernest continued to teach at Bishop Timon High School until 1958, when he was assigned to Siena College. He taught religion and was dean of discipline for six years.

After two years at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, Fr. Ernest returned to St. Bonaventure’s and filled the position of postmaster and director of placement. In 1973, he became a promoter of Friar magazine for three years, and then went to Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Mass.

He died on April 4, 1988 in Philadelphia. Fr. Ernest was 71 years old, a professed friar for 36 years and a priest for 33 years.