Wedding Bells are Ringing at Marco’s Restaurant and Banquet Facility at <strong>Pennsauken</strong> Country Club Book your wedding in Spring 2013 and receive $15 off our wedding package price and a complimentary pasta station during cocktail hour or a complimentary flambé station for dessert . Call Megan at the <strong>Pennsauken</strong> Country Club to make your appointment. Marco’s RESTAURANT AND BANQUET FACILITY at <strong>Pennsauken</strong> Country Club 3800HaddonfieldRoad•<strong>Pennsauken</strong>, NJ 856-438-5283 Fax:856-330-4932 www.marcosbanquet.com
January 2013 ALL AROUND PENNSAUKEN Page 17 PEOPLEINTHENEWS By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist If ever anyone has managed to do 100 years of living on this planet justice, it is William Henry O’Donnell. And as far as I’m concerned, “Bill” is the platinum standard we should all aspire to. I was most fortunate to meet up with Mr. O’Donnell, his beautiful family, and wonderful friends at The Collins House in Merchantville, where the birthday boy received full honors and lots of love from his many admirers, which included all five of his children. Bill, formerly of <strong>Pennsauken</strong> for many, many years, is now a resident of Gibbstown, NJ, where he lives with his oldest daughter and her husband. And a happier man than Mr. O’Donnell you’d be hard-pressed to find. Born in humble beginnings on Dec. 14, 1912, in Blackwood, NJ, Mr. O’Donnell has seen a lot of living. And it’s not just because he’s lived 100 years. It’s because he lived a full life, all of his life. Bill is still a man who has a happy reason to wake up every day. And he looks back with much joy for the life he was given and how he loved and valued his work, Agnes, his beloved wife of 56 years, his children, his family, as well as his community. And he also looks forward to a lot more living! When I remarked to Bill that I was also planning on being 100 years old in about another three decades, he smiled at me. Then I asked him if he’d be at my birthday party when I hit the century mark. Bill smiled again and said, “Sure, I will! I’m looking forward to it!” Now that’s my kinda guy! And Bill’s children are certainly chips off the old block. I met them all and we chatted about their father. You could see the love in their eyes and hear the happiness in the tone of their voices when they recalled the time spent with the lovely man they were most fortunate to call Dad. Daughter Marge, age 68, cares for her father in the home she shares with her husband, Fred. Her memories of yesteryear were crystal clear and joy-filled. “He was always there for us,” Margie recalled. “He was and still is a wonderful, wonderful man.” Son Michael, age 67, also had nothing but kind words for his father. “He gave all of us a sense of purpose and community. Everybody loved Dad.” Son Bill, age 63, was all smiles as he talked to me about his father. “Dad taught us to value the things that last. Family was very important to him. He was also a great communicator. Dad was always there to help us, or anyone, in any way he could. He’s still someone we all look up to and respect and love.” Son Tom, age 58, agreed with his siblings, “We all had jobs early on. We mowed lawns, shoveled snow. There were no idle hands in our house. We were raised to value our family, to have dreams, to be productive, but best of all we were raised in real love.” Daughter Mary, age 51, and the baby of the family, also recalls much happiness when she thinks of her father. “Dad showed me how to live life to the fullest. He and Mom were wonderful examples of love and family. I still remember all the great times we spent together when he would read to me. I was so lucky to have him for my father.” So what more can I add to this story other than to say I wish I had known Mr. O’Donnell sixty-four years ago. As I was ready to leave I wanted one final quote from Bill, a summation of sorts, a word or two to share about what he has learned over the course of his life that he would like to pass on as his legacy. Bill O’Donnell, a <strong>Pennsauken</strong> resident of many years, celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. O’Donnell is pictured here with his children Michael, Bill, Tom, Margie, and Mary. Longtime <strong>Pennsauken</strong> Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday With that famous O’Donnell smile he answered, “Live a full life. Live every day with purpose. Love and laugh a lot. Be compassionate. Give back. Help others. Live a good life and lead by that example.” after christmas sale After I finished writing in the little tablet I brought with me and took a few more photos of Bill and his family, I was just so overjoyed by the happiness I felt, I asked Mr. O’Donnell for a hug, and of course I got one. Then as I was leaving, $50 Dehumidifiers he turned toward me and said, “Judy! Don’t forget to send me an invitation to your 100th birthday party!” I smiled all the way home. Happy 100th Birthday Bill! Washer & Dryers • Refrigerators • Freezers Dishwashers • Gas & Electric Stoves • Dehumidifiers TV’s • Microwaves • All Small Appliances Exercise Equipment and much more! 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE… MINIMUM $200. 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