ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Captain John Julian (Jack) O’Donnell of Sutton and formerly of Homefarm Road, who passed away peacefully on 25th October 2026 surrounded by his loving family and in the wonderful care of staff at Beaumont Hospital. Beloved husband of Grainne and loving father of Clíona, Ciara, John, Paul, Mark and Ruairí. Predeceased by his daughter Orlagh, his grandson Jack, and his siblings Pauline, Betty and Derek. Jack will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons and daughters, sons-in-law Gerry and Peter, daughters-in-law Sinéad, Jessica and Maria Angeles, grandchildren Sarah, Karl, Alex, Erika, Katie-Rose, Finn, Alba, Millie, Sophie, Pablo and Harry, great-grandson Billy, sister-in-law Eithne, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, Defence Forces comrades and neighbours.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Jack O’Donnell was commissioned into the Air Corps in 1953 as a member of a Short Service Class and served until 1958 when he joined Aer Lingus. Jack continued his service with Óglaigh na hÉireann with the First Line Reserve of Officers in the Air Corps until his retirement.
The Short Service scheme typically comprised initial training as a cadet followed by a commissioned period, with provisions for extensions and subsequent reserve service. It was created to train junior pilot officers for the Air Corps and, notably, to supply experienced pilots who often transitioned into commercial careers with airlines such as Aer Lingus. During the mid-to-late 1950s, trainees and short-service officers flew aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire trainers, de Havilland Vampire jet trainers (introduced in 1956), and basic trainers like the Chipmunk and Provost.
Jack went on to have a distinguished career with Aer Lingus. On 5th July 1989, a 1000ft runway extension was officially opened at Cork Airport. Jack flew the airline’s first Boeing 747 to land there. Our photo shows Barry Roche, Cork Airport Manager, making a presentation to Jack to mark the occasion.
Reposing at Stafford’s Funeral Home, Strand Road, Portmarnock on Thursday afternoon 29th October from 3pm to 5pm. Removal on Friday morning to Saint Fintan’s Church, Sutton, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am (Link: https://www.stfintansparish.ie/webcam) followed by burial in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Jack’s death notice on rip.ie at: https://rip.ie/death-notice/capt-jack-odonnell-dublin-sutton-646269
