Charles "Charlie" J. O'Donnell

Charles “Charlie” Joseph O’Donnell, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1962, Charlie grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and the traditions that shaped him.

Charlie attended South Hadley High School and later earned his degree in mathematics from North Adams State College, setting the foundation for a successful career in the insurance industry.

Charlie faced life—and a decades-long battle with cancer that spanned most of his adult life—with unshakable courage, quiet strength, and an attitude that inspired everyone who knew him. His resilience carried him through nearly 30 years of treatment, yet he continued to meet each day with warmth, humor, and gratitude.

Charlie spent his career working for a variety of companies as an insurance executive, where he was known for his dedication, professionalism, and the genuine care he showed toward colleagues and clients. Outside of work, he was a passionate sports fan who loved all sports—especially New England teams, which he cheered for with unwavering loyalty.

He was a devoted husband and father whose love and presence shaped his family’s lives in countless ways. Charlie was known for his kindness, generosity, and loyalty to the people he cared about. His greatest joy was being with his family, and he showed his love through quiet moments of connection, steady support, and a presence they could always count on.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, and his daughter, Kelli, who was the light of his life, and his son-in-law Bryce. He also leaves behind his brothers Patrick and his wife Kathy and James and his wife Donna; his sister Ann and her husband Peter; his sister-in-law Cynthia; and his brother-in-law Russell, along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be held in South Hadley on Saturday November, 22 beginning with a visitation at Beers and Story Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at South Hadley Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Center’s Jimmy Fund, in honor of Charlie’s remarkable fight and enduring spirit.