Obituary of John L. McDonnell

John “Jack” L. McDonnell, age 92 of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 21, 2024 while visiting family in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

He was born in Mount Carmel, PA on February 15, 1932, the son of the late Luke M. McDonnell and Mary Mae Karpinski – McDonnell and brother of the late James McDonnell.

He grew up in Locust Gap, PA and graduated from Mount Carmel Township High School in 1949. Jack excelled in football, basketball and baseball where he varsity lettered in all three sports. Jack served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard Bon Homme Richard Aircraft Carrier as a part of Group 7 Fighter Squadron (VF72) as Plane Captain.

In 1956, Jack began his career in the Insurance Industry as a Property -Casualty claims adjuster schooling at the Insurance Institute and earning his CPCU certification. Later, he was the founding father of the Lower Bucks Claim Association and a past President.

In 1972, Jack was elected to President of the PA Claim Association. Jack later was the founder of FireDex, a disaster restoration company where he served as President from 1975 until his retirement in 1997.

Upon his retirement, Jack and his beloved wife, Rita, moved to Bonita Springs, FL and lived in the Bonita Bay Community for over 25 years. Jack was a Board Member and served as the President of the Habor Lakes Association from 2001 – 2007. During this time, Jack and Rita forged many lifelong friendships. He was instrumental in planning the best Brat Parties in the history of the Association. Jack was also the neighborhood handyman, willing and able to help any of those in need.

Along with his many accomplishments, the most important part of Jack’s life was his family. He was known by all for being the life of the party, singing his silly songs, telling the best jokes and his one-liners. As a true family man he wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of; related or unrelated.

Jack’s greatest passion in life was being with his family whenever possible. It was a family tradition to get together for Thanksgiving every year in Bonita Springs where he would outdo himself each year with a bigger turkey; the record being a delicious 36-pound turkey!

Jack influenced the lives of so many and will never be forgotten.

He was the husband of the late Rita (Stavenski) McDonnell whom he married in 1955. They enjoyed 67 wonderful and loving years together.

He is survived by his son, John McDonnell (Anne) of Conshohocken, PA; two daughters, Judy Olcese (Tony Cox) and Karen McDonnell (Greg Kulak) both of Plymouth Meeting, PA; sister, Jean Boylan of Warrington, PA and brother Joseph McDonnell (Mildred) of Doylestown, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Olcese, Jessica McGuckin, Joseph Olcese, Kalyn Murphy, Kevin Kulak, John McDonnell, III and Ryan McDonnell; nine great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.

His memorial Mass will be held at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on the morning of July 2, 2024 at 10am at the church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am celebrated by Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili.

Interment will be private at a later date at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation by clicking here.

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA, (610) 277-1600.
www.msrfh.com