John “Shawn” B. O’Donnell, Jr.

John “Shawn” B. O’Donnell, Jr, 49 of Seekonk, MA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 10th at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton, MA.

Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of John O’Donnell, Sr, and the late Carol (Mullervy) O’Donnell of Seekonk, MA. John was predeceased by his sister Katherine “Katie” O’Donnell. He is survived by his sister Erin (O’Donnell) Terrien of Warren RI, brothers Christopher O’Donnell of Seekonk MA, Timothy O’Donnell of West Warwick, RI, Patrick O’Donnell of Barre, MA, and Casey O’Donnell of Seekonk, MA. Additionally, he leaves behind two Sisters-in-Law, Gina O’Donnell and Justina O’Donnell and Brother-in-Law Phillip Terrien. Also surviving, are his nieces Adele and Juliana O’Donnell, and Margaret “Greta” Terrien along with nephews Timothy and Owen O’Donnell and Lucas Terrien. John also leaves behind his beautiful dog Dacks.
John was an Eagle Scout (Troop 2 Barrington, RI) and a graduate from Seekonk High School. Soon after graduating high school he progressed into higher education where he attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science with a focus on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. From there he centered his education and career on Dentistry by attending the University of Connecticut, School of Dentistry where he earned dual doctoral degrees. Doctor of Dental Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy, Dentistry and Biomedicine. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and practiced dentistry in New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Through the years he treated, advocated, and touched the lives of thousands of patients. John was a lifelong learner, dedicated to his craft and thoroughly loved science and research.

John will always be remembered for his bright smile, easy laugh, and sense of humor. He had a positive outlook on life and loved spending time with his friends and was the nucleus of the O’Donnell family. He was an avid music lover, enjoyed the outdoors and a dedicated lifelong Grateful Dead fan.

His funeral will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 8:00 AM from the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in St Brendan’s Church, 60 Turner Ave, Riverside, RI. Burial will immediately follow at the Gate of Heaven, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI. Calling hours will be Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

John (Shawn) will be missed by all the many whose lives he touched.