Shea Andrew O’Donnell, age 37, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 11, 2026 at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.
Born on November 1, 1988, Shea was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester City High School. He earned his associate’s degree from Gloucester County Community College and was employed by UPS as a driver in Lawnside, New Jersey. Shea was known for his quick wit, easygoing nature, and the way he could always make people laugh — he always had a joke ready. Those who knew him will remember his humor, loyalty, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
Sports were an important part of Shea’s life. He played football growing up with the Gloucester City Mustangs, baseball with Gloucester City Little League basketball with the Carmen Palmero Basketball League in Gloucester City and swam for the Gloucester City Swim team. During his high school years, Shea was an outstanding football and track athlete at Gloucester City High School.
Shea also proudly served his community as a patrolman and was a former Gloucester City police officer from 2013 to 2019.
Shea shared a very close friendship and bond with Mikey DePoder, Sal Russo and Anthony Russo. The O’Donnell family is deeply grateful to Mikey, Sal, and Anthony for always being there for Shea, day in and day out, offering unwavering friendship, love, and support in every way.
Shea was the cherished father of Ava O’Donnell and is also survived by Ava’s mother, Laura Hetrick.
He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Denise O’Donnell (nee Francis); his brothers, Keith (Danielle) and Blaise (Madelyn); and was an adored uncle to Kierstynn, Bug, Maxine and Blaise Jr. He is also survived by many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Shea was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Thomas J. O’Donnell Jr. and Kathleen T. O’Donnell (née Delahunty) and by his maternal grandparents, Filmore Francis and Rosemary Francis (nee McDermott). Predeceased by his Godfather and Uncle Kevin O’Donnell and Uncles Paul Cipolone and Steve McNulty.
Shea’s last selfless act in life was being an organ and tissue donor and he is giving to many people in need.
Relatives, classmates, and friends are invited to attend Shea’s visitation on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, New Jersey 08030. Shea’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Cremation and inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ava O’Donnell Education Fund, care of McCann – Healey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1071, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099-1071.
Please make checks payable to Ava O’Donnell and In Memo write : Education Fund Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Shea Andrew O’Donnell.
Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries are entrusted to McCann – Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Phone: 856 – 456 – 1142.