Date of death: 1/10/2020
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1958
On January 10, 2020, Patrick J. McDonnell VIII, 87, beloved husband of Helen (ne Cicero), loving father to Patrick (Catherine), Dr. Matthew, Mary Ann, Christopher (May), Paul (Terri), Sean, grandfather of 10, great grandfather to 6, and brother of John, passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. His loving wife of 62 years and daughter, were at his side as he took his final breath. Patrick was born to Patrick and Alice McDonnell in 1932 on the westside of Cleveland; he was baptized at St. Colman’s Church. Patrick’s father passed away when he was two years old, and the Jesuits took Patrick and his brother under their wing, ensuring they would attend St. Ignatius High School. Patrick graduated from St. Ignatius in 1950 and later pursued a degree in Education and graduate studies in the Classics. Patrick served the Cleveland Public Schools as a teacher at Orchard and Milford schools and as a principal at several elementary schools, including East Denison, Columbia, Doan, and Anthony Wayne. After serving the Cleveland Public Schools, Patrick taught Latin and Greek at University School in Shaker Heights. It brought great joy to Patrick to see his students succeed in life. Especially students, who entered professional fields of serving others. Throughout his life, he adhered to St. Ignatius’s motto of “men for others.” Accordingly, Patrick received the St. Ignatius Distinguished Alumnus Award. Patrick was an active member at St. Malachi’s Church and regularly assisted at the church’s Monday Night Meal.