Reverend Richard Patrick McDonnell, III, 75, joined our Heavenly Father on February 5th, 2021. Richard was predeceased by his father, Edward McDonnell, his mother, Josephine McDonnell, and two brothers Edward McDonnell and Gilbert McDonnell. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Maureen McDonnell and their five children Richard Patrick McDonnell, IV (Michelle Cunningham McDonnell), Edward G. McDonnell (Tracy McDonnell), William A. McDonnell, Jeremy T. McDonnell (Victoria McDonnell) and Christie McDonnell Cavett (Jesse Cavett). Also twelve grandchildren: Richard Patrick McDonnell, V, Caroline, Charlotte; Finnley, Lindy, Sidney; Liam; Karen, Jeremy Thomas, Isabella Abigail; Sullivan, Sawyer.
Richard was born in New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Belknap College, Center Harbor, New Hampshire. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree in history from C.W. Post, and Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. He also completed Doctoral Studies at NYU in history. He spent his life teaching and sharing with others through his various positions as an Episcopal priest, high school teacher, college professor and served as chaplain for many organizations.
Richard will be remembered to many for his boundless love, prodigious unwavering faith and his encyclopedic knowledge. Richard spent his life dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren. We will especially remember him for his love of animals, history, boating, ballet, music and fox hunting. He generously offered his love, support and guidance to all he met and was never too shy to make you laugh.
A service will be held at 11:00 am, June 12, 2021 at the Episcopal Church in Okatie, 231 Hazzard Creek Village #1, Ridgeland, SC 29936. The Rt. Rev. Frank Sullivan Logue and the Reverend William J. Watson, III will officiate the service.
In remembrance of Richard's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to one of the following organizations: Hilton Head Dance School, Honey Creek Episcopal Retreat Center, or Heroes on Horseback.
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