Obituary of Francis James O'Donnell

 Francis O’Donnell, 85, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2026. Frank grew up in Cranford, NJ, the oldest of 9 children. He loved to tell stories of his time in the neighborhood with his siblings and cousins. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Frank met his wife, Betsy, and settled down in Cranford, before moving to Ohio, Maryland and Freehold, NJ, where they raised their four sons. He spent most of his career working for SeaLand Shipping Company. Frank enjoyed reading, politics, history and was an avid sports fan. Frank and Betsy moved to Lake Wylie, SC in 1996, where they became active in the All Saint’s Catholic Church Community. After Betsy’s passing in 2014, Frank remained in Lake Wylie until moving back to New Jersey in 2023. Frank’s greatest joys were his grandchildren. Frank is predeceased by his wife Betsy, siblings Richard, Billy, Anne, Liz, John and Mark. He is survived by his four sons, Christopher, Emmett, Tim (Susan), Seamus (Carolyn); five grandchildren Lisa, Erin, Timmy, Sean, Seamus; Great-granddaughter, Peach; brothers Thomas (Gail) and Neil (Penny); sisters-in-law Kathy and Terri; brother-in-law Tom, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

All arrangements are private and under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com