Long Time Volunteer Joe O'Donnell Earns Service Award

Floral Parker Dedicates Time at Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island marked its 20th year of service to families by honoring many devoted volunteers of the House during the 2006 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. In recognition of the outstanding efforts of these volunteers, who are the "pulse" of the House, the House hosted its annual dinner/dance recently. The evening was marked with festivities, including musical entertainment, a solo performance of The Rose by Volunteer Maria Sitnikova, food and beverages and an award ceremony.

This year, the House presented the Service Award to Joe O'Donnell, a volunteer since 1989.This year, the House presented the Service Award to Joe O'Donnell, a volunteer since 1989. O'Donnell was also chosen as the Volunteer of the Year in 1994, an award bestowed annually to volunteers who have given above and beyond the call of duty. A dedicated and compassionate individual with a great sense of humor, he has continued to serve the House since then. The "Joe O'Donnell Service Award," a new award created with Joe's unique character traits in mind, will be given to those volunteers who have provided exemplary service and who have maintained an active role at the House.

Joe, a retired florist in a family operated business that began in Jamaica in 1947, have been a resident of Floral Park for the past 32 years. He met his wife, Dot, a former nun, more than 25 years ago. As fate would have it, their lives became intertwined while Joe was recovering from the loss of his first wife, Ellen, who died of lung cancer. Dot had already begun a new life after leaving the convent where she had dedicated 25 years of service.

"We were like two lost souls. I just lost my wife and Dotty just came out of being in a convent. That's how we met," O'Donnell said. "She's the best thing that ever happened to me. My kids were little when they met her - they love her and they treat her like a mother."

Dot and Joe raised Joe's six children, Patricia, Lawrence, Elizabeth, Susan, Joseph and Nancy. Tragedy struck the family again after Joe's daughter, Susan, died at the age of 25 from a chronic liver condition. Dotty was the glue that held them all together.

"Dotty spent six weeks with Susan at the hospital," he said. "Susan was diagnosed with a liver condition at birth. The doctors only gave her six months to live. She was going to have a liver transplant when she died. She was so special and unique - I thank God I had her for 25 years."

Joe became involved in the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island while Dotty was a volunteer at the House. After his daughter died, he became a staple at the House.

"The House is a special place," Joe said. "You deal with the families who need you. They are so appreciative of anything you do for them, whether you talk to them or drive them where they need to be."

Joe and Dot have accomplished much in and outside of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Dot, a special education teacher, has touched many lives and her affection for children of all ages is apparent. Joe has been a source of comfort to families for many years. Still, if one asks them what they feel their greatest achievement is, they exchange a smile and are happy to tell you about their children and grandchildren of whom they are very proud.