Francis O'Donnell

Francis P. "Frankie" O'Donnell, 75, of Bedford, passed away on August 28, 2010 at the Ridgewood Center in Bedford surrounded by his family. He was born in New York, NY on March 16, 1935, the son of John and Mary (Diamond) O'Donnell. He grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and was dubbed the "little big man" for his talent on the basketball court. He attended La Salle Academy and was named to the First Team All – NYC basketball team his senior year. He graduated from St. Anselm College in 1957 and went on to try out for the Boston Celtics. Some of his many accomplishments include being inducted into the La Salle Academy, St. Anselm College, Queen City, and New England Basketball Halls of Fame. He was a teacher at Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester and coached the basketball team to two consecutive undefeated seasons in 1963 and 1964, compiling 63 wins and two State championships. Frankie later opened the Lamplighter Restaurant in Bedford where many good times were had by plenty. He also owned the Bedford Golfland for over 30 years. In recent years, Frankie enjoyed complaining about the Red Sox to his wife, meeting with friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. In His Life: Family members include his wife of 49 years, Ann (Palys) O'Donnell; two daughters, Mary Walsh and her husband Gary of Goffstown and Karen Hall and her husband Tim of Goffstown, a son, Dan O'Donnell and his wife Colleen of Bedford; six grandchildren, Brendan and Ryan Hall, Connor and Kelly Walsh, and Cori and Frankie O'Donnell. He is also survived by a brother, William O'Donnell and a nephew, John O'Donnell who was like a son to him; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester on Tuesday from 2 to 7 PM. A graveside committal service will take place on Wednesday morning at 11:00 in St. Hedwig Cemetery, Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Heart Institute Foundation, 100 McGregor St., Manchester, NH 03102. For more information, or to view on an on-line memorial, go to the obituary section of our website at www.phaneuf.net. 603-625-5777.