Shawn Eugene O'Donnell

Portland-Shawn E. O’Donnell (formerly of Gorham, Maine), 81, died on Monday, November 26, 2018, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, after a courageous but brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  Diagnosed in early October, Shawn met each health challenge these past weeks with a sharp wit and humor as one would expect from him.

Shawn was born in Brighton, MA on April 4, 1937, to Charles & Maryanne O’Donnell.  After his mother’s passing, the family moved to Northern Maine where Shawn graduated from Presque Isle High School and enrolled in Ricker College before entering Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.  During his long career in pharmacy, Shawn worked as the Chief Pharmacist at Carey Memorial Hospital in Caribou, Maine and several independent pharmacies, including his own Rexall store.  After a living room interview, Shawn worked for LaVerdiere’s Super Drug Stores for many years, followed by Rite Aid and eventually Hannaford Pharmacy in Gorham for the remainder of his career.  During his 50-year career, Shawn demonstrated a level of professionalism and caring for his customers, even providing community service at the Portland Jewish Community Center.

A world class “puttering-man”, Shawn enjoyed many past-times including traveling, golf, snowmobiling, fly fishing and birding.  One could identify Shawn’s latest passion by entering his work shed to see what treasures covered his workbench.  He loved to tinker and fix things and was a veritable fountain of knowledge, especially with his iPad in hand.  Most notable was Shawn’s big heart and capacity to care, especially for family, including his wife Daria’s parents who absolutely adored him.

Shawn was predeceased by his parents, Charles & Maryanne and brother Edward.

 He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Daria Lupo O’Donnell of Portland, Maine. Daughter Kimberly O’Donnell and wife Sharon Martin of Portland Maine, son Louis and his wife Nancy, grandsons Patrick and Evan O’Donnell of Conroe, TX, brother Michael P. O’Donnell of Westbrook, Maine His self-appointed grand-dogs, Lucy, Luka, and Bogey. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A special thank you to Dr. Monica Tim and Nurse Navigator Gina Blaszyk from Maine Medical Center and the Cancer Institute. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House and the caretakers who ensured Shawn’s last days were filled with kindness, love, and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Shawn’s name are made to:

Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough, Maine

Ronald McDonald House of Portland Maine

Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center

Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2018, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland. 

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