William M. O’Donnell, longtime resident of Orlando, Florida, and recently of the Villages, Florida and Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 83, following a short period of declining health.
Bill will be deeply missed by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, the lovely Priscilla (Dore), his daughters Colleen (Bobby), Erin (Tarrant), and Kelli, his grandchildren Steven (Amaia), Eric (Michaela), William, Brendan, Kay, Thomas, Caroline, and Henry, and great grandchildren Eneko and Lucy.
He is also survived by his sisters Maureen Goldman and Kathleen Reed, his nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many former students, neighbors, and colleagues who became lifelong friends.
Though he lived in Florida for the last 30 years, Bill was a Bostonian, and Boston sports fan, through and through. He was a fun loving extrovert and legendary story teller, always with a twinkle in his eye. He was full of life, unfailingly optimistic, deeply faithful, and forever young at heart. He was a trusted friend, mentor, and role model to many.
Bill was born in Newton to William H. and Lillian (Mahoney) O’Donnell. He grew up in Newton and worked as a caddy on local courses, where he discovered his natural talent, and love, for the game of golf.
After graduating from UMass Amherst, Bill spent almost two decades as a phys ed teacher and high school football coach. He was named Middlesex League Coach of the Year and inducted into the Burlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He spent summers painting houses, pulling lobster traps, and selling cable TV door-to-door, which eventually led to a career in the cable TV industry. This pivot would ultimately bring him to The Golf Channel, in Orlando, Florida, and many memorable years conducting business on beautiful golf courses from coast to coast, including his home course of Bay Hill.
Bill enjoyed a long retirement with Priscilla. They took epic road trips across the country and traveled the world, always visiting old friends, and making new ones, along the way.
What was truly remarkable about Bill was the number and quality of his close friendships, and his dedication to them. He treasured spending time with his people by phone, over a meal, or on the golf course, sharing a laugh while reliving good times or recounting every detail of a memorable game. He was a world class giver of hugs, words of encouragement, the right pep talk at the right time, and rock solid life advice. He made everyone in his life feel truly special.
Bill was a lucky man and for this he was always grateful. He woke up happy. He loved his life and the people he shared it with. He faced health challenges with his trademark optimism and good nature, often quoting Jimmy Valvano, “Never Give Up. Don’t Ever Give Up.”
Though we will miss him dearly, we are grateful for the years of Bill’s love and friendship and countless happy memories. He had an indelible influence on the many people who counted him as family, friend, or coach. He was one of a kind and will not be forgotten.
Now that Bill has completed his final round, and leaves the hazards of earthly life behind, we pray that fair winds will carry him across smooth fairways to the eternal peace of a heavenly clubhouse.
A funeral mass honoring Bill’s life will be held on Monday, July 27 at 10 a.m. It will be held at St. Bernard Parish, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, where Bill married Priscilla 61 years ago.
We are grateful for Dr. Charlie Boucher and his many decades of compassionate care and warm friendship. Those who wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory are invited to make a gift to Massachusetts General Hospital, designated to support the Charles A. Boucher, MD, Endowed Education Fund in Cardiology. https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate.