Michael P. O’Donnell, 89, died peacefully on February 9, 2026 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, surrounded by his family.

Michael was born on March 17, 1936, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Charles and Mary A. O’Donnell. When his mother’s health required a change, the family moved to northern Maine, and Michael spent his childhood in Presque Isle. From those northern roots grew a lifelong love of Maine and learning, leading him to earn both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Maine, and later a doctorate from Syracuse University.

Michael dedicated his professional life to advancing literacy and expanding access to education. He began his career as a high school English teacher in Aroostook County and quickly distinguished himself as an innovator. Long before educational television was common, he developed and taught High School Reading, a live broadcast course that became a pilot project for the State Department of Education. Its success led to a Ford Foundation grant to videotape the series for national distribution.

In 1970, Michael joined the faculty of the University of Southern Maine’s College of Education. A lifelong advocate for literacy, he dedicated his career to improving reading education for children, adults, and refugees learning English as a second language. A highlight of his professional life was serving as a national Scholar-in-Residence with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. He authored and co-authored numerous books and instructional materials and received many professional honors, including a Distinguished Service Award from the University of Maine Board of Trustees for advancing literacy. He retired with distinction as Professor Emeritus.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Michael’s greatest legacy was the life he built around family and tradition. He had a gift for bringing people together — for Sunday night dinners, spirited St. Patrick’s Day birthday celebrations, family trips to Ireland, yearly visits to Arizona with close friends, and nearly 30 years of attending the Portland Symphony’s Magic of Christmas. A treasured chapter was the time spent abroad with his children when he served as an exchange professor in England, followed by travels throughout Europe and a month-long stay in Italy. These experiences instilled in his children a lifelong love of travel, culture, and shared adventure.

Michael’s playful spirit was evident in his many interests. He collected antique Lionel trains and, with his son Mark, built an elaborate railway throughout his home that delighted visitors of all ages. An enthusiastic host, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Beyond academia, Michael was a committed advocate for social causes, notably leading successful efforts on behalf of mobile home residents that resulted in the state’s only rent control ordinance.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Heron House, Falmouth House, Comfort Keepers, and Hospice of Southern Maine for their compassionate care and support.

Michael is survived by his children: Mark (Michelle Waco) of San Diego, California; Lori Barron (Jeff) of Falmouth, Maine, and their son Isaac; and Michelle Przybylowicz (Jim) of Scarborough, Maine, and their children Tim (Emily)and Laura (Michael); as well as three great-grandchildren, Maya, Chase, and Ella. He was predeceased by his dear friend and former wife, Lucille O’Donnell, and his brothers, Shawn and Edward.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday on March 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at McGouldrick building, second floor 35 Bedford Street, USM Portland Campus. 

  Should friends desire, donations may be made to the The The Parkinson's Foundation (The Parkinson's Foundation) and directed to Michael O’Donnell’s Tribute Page.

To share memories of Michael, or to leave the family an on-line condolence please visit www.athutchins.com.