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Gerald “Jerry” M. O’Donnell and Joanne M. O’Donnell, whose marriage spanned more than 70 years, died just over a month apart in spring 2026.

Joanne died peacefully on April 22 at age 91. Jerry died May 25 at age 95.

Jerry was born Oct. 27, 1930, in Grafton, West Virginia, to George and Lelia O’Donnell. Raised in the Washington, D.C., area, he spent childhood summers with his aunt Elenore and uncle Earl in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

After graduating from St. John’s College High School, Jerry served during the Korean War as a captain in the U.S. Army combat engineers. He later graduated from Georgetown University and The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.

Jerry practiced law in Alexandria for more than 45 years. He was appointed the first Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee in the Alexandria Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, serving for more than 33 years before retiring.

Joanne was born Jan. 19, 1935, in Alexandria to Wilbur and Helen May. The eldest of 10 children, she attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy.

She cared for the couple’s five sons while also working alongside Jerry as the office manager of his law practice. After retiring, the couple devoted their time to family and friends.

Faith, family and a shared love of the beach remained central throughout their marriage. Their home in Bethany Beach, Delaware, became a treasured gathering place as the family grew.

Jerry and Joanne are survived by their five sons, Kevin, Brian, Philip, Mark and Keith, as well as 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A combined memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 26, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria. A reception will follow at Clyde’s of Mark Center.