Retired Cranford Detective Lt. William J. O'Donnell Dies

Cranford, NJ -- The Cranford Police announced today the death of retired Detective Lieutenant William J. O'Donnell.

O'Donnell's Obituary:

William J. O’Donnell, 74, passed away March 8, 2016 at Overlook Hospital. He was a life-long, 4th generation, resident of Cranford.

Mr. O’Donnell was a 25 year veteran of the Cranford Police Department, retiring in 1995 as a detective lieutenant. He had also been an insurance fraud investigator for the State of New Jersey. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6226 in Cranford, the corresponding secretary for the Union County Emerald Society, a volunteer with the Cranford First Aid Squad, and a Eucharistic minister at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford.

He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Mark, and a sister Anne Koshney. Surviving are his beloved wife, Kathy; his devoted son, Terrance, three brothers, Frank, Thomas, and Neil; a sister Liz Kazary; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West in Cranford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Saint Michaels Church, Cranford. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Michael’s Church or to the Union County Emerald Society.

(Photo, Cranford Police Facebook)