Charles Anthony “Chuck” O’Donnell III, 73, died peacefully January 3, in his wife’s loving arms, in the home he built in Monroe, after a day spent surrounded by his devoted children and adoring grandchildren. He was born September 3, 1942, to Irene and Charles O’Donnell II in New York City.

His devoted wife of 52 years, Maureen Ann O’Donnell; his children and their spouses, Daniel and Michelle O’Donnell of Sandy Hook, Charles IV and Catherine O’Donnell of Shelton, Eileen O’Donnell and Anthony Skrip of Branford, Michael and Corrie O’Donnell of Fairfield, Francis and Jasmin O’Donnell of Stamford, Patrick and Ming Lun O’Donnell of Black Rock, Casey and Stephanie O’Donnell of Stamford, and Irene and Jeffrey Baker of Norwalk; and a boatload of grandchildren survive Mr O’Donnell. His parents and sister, Roseanne Ellis, predeceased him.

Mr O’Donnell grew up in Allentown, Penn., then attended St Mary of the Plains College in Kansas, where he found and fell in love with Maureen Ann Spencer. A man of character and integrity, a devoted husband, a father who loved unconditionally, and grandfather who gave selflessly, he was a man of both gentleness and great strength, applying whichever quality was needed at precisely the right time. To all who knew him, he was a giant of a man.

He was a talented electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and business owner for 38 years, designing and supplying electrical motor systems for major American and international manufacturers, and was recognized recently with an award for his exceptional technical work by Baldor Motors.

Mr O’Donnell loved and was loved by the many he people he knew through his business — acquaintances who over time he came to regard as his lifelong friends. In addition to his business and family, he enjoyed active outdoor hobbies year-round. He was an avid downhill skier, and with his wife by his side, captained their 39-foot sailboat, Will You Go.

Friends are invited to an Irish wake and celebration of his life, Wednesday, January 6, from 3 to 9 pm, at 9 Holly Place, Monroe. Friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, January 7, at 10:30 am, by meeting directly at St James Church, 2070 Main Street, Stratford. Interment will be private.

Flowers may be sent to his home at 9 Holly Place, Monroe CT 06468.

To share a message of condolence visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.