William "Bill" Richard McDonnell

William Richard "Bill" McDonnell, 90 of Virginia Beach, Virginia entered eternal rest on March 15, 2026 at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was a loving husband to the late Marilyn Hotin McDonnell for 68 years, father of three children, grandfather "Papa" to seven grandchildren and great-grandfather to five great grandchildren.

Bill was born on April 25, 1935 in Winthrop, Massachusetts at Fort Banks Army Hospital to Harold Francis and Clara McDonnell. His parents divorced when he was young and due to his father's travel for his military career as a JAG, Bill and his brother were raised by a wonderful couple in Melrose, Massachusetts, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Higgins treated the boys like their own children raising them until they left for college. Bill attended St. Mary's Grammar School in Melrose, Mass. and Malden Catholic High School. Bill was a member of the high school ice hockey team which Bill talked about with fond memories of being a part of the NE Championship Team one year. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Boston University and was the goalie for the BU Terrier's ice hockey team. Bill was known as the "Masked Marvel" after a terrible injury resulting in him wearing one of the first face masks in the sport. After college, Bill met the love of his life, Marilyn Hotin at The Boston Ice Skating Club. He said she asked him for a couples skate and he knew then that she was "the one". Bill and Marilyn were married on November 11, 1956 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Marilyn had been a member all through her childhood. Marilyn and Bill were very active in St. John's until they moved away from Cambridge. They were also parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church in South Yarmouth, Mass., St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Boynton Beach, Florida, and The Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bill and Marilyn had three children together, (Richard "Rickey", Diane and Stephen). Bill worked at the U.S. Post Office starting in Cambridge and later in the South Boston Annex for 39 years. When the children were still young, Bill also started his own side business painting and wallpapering. He had no need for advertisement, it was by referral and word of mouth that he received constant business for many, many years instilling in his children that hard work paid off for the "extras".

Family vacations were a must every summer whether it be to the mountains in New Hampshire or beaches on Cape Cod where many fun memories were had. In the early 80's they made South Dennis, Cape Cod their permanent summer home where they hosted numerous family and friends to enjoy summer weekends at their favorite beaches (Corporation, Sea Street and West Dennis Beach to name a few) and lots of fun nights visiting local family attractions. Their home in So. Dennis, Mass. was Bill's pride and joy, especially his yard. He worked hard to have a beautifully manicured lawn, flower gardens, flower boxes and never a cedar shingle out of place on the house and always running around w/ a can of paint and paintbrush to make any quick fixes. Easter and the numerous April birthdays in the family were almost always celebrated at ''The Cape" where Easter Egg Hunts were held after Sunday Mass and brunch usually at "Christine's". Summer weekends were very structured, everyone was up and at 'em to be at the beach by 9 a.m. with Papa making all of the sandwiches to ensure everyone stayed on schedule. After a full day at the beach, off to Saturday Mass and a mad rush to get to their favorite restaurant for the early bird special. Bill would take Marilyn shopping every Saturday night, most times shopping for sales to add to her extensive wardrobe, as well as, getting an early start on their Christmas shopping. After retirement, they became snowbirds enjoying warm winters in Boynton Beach, Florida where they made many friends, and it was not unusual for them to host large Easter and especially Christmas gatherings in their festive home (inside and out), and were the organizers for entertainment, games and dinner functions at the Clubhouse in their "Green Tree Villas" neighborhood. In 2019 they sold their beloved Cape Cod home to become year-round residents in Florida. In addition to being known as "Beach Bums" Bill and Marilyn were avid cruisers. After their first cruise in 1989, they were forever hooked and started with an annual cruise, turning into two or more per year. They enjoyed over 33 cruises, enjoying a few with family members.

In 2022 they decided to move closer to family, relocating to Virginia Beach, Virginia, living the last four years at Discovery Commons Assisted Living facility (formerly Atria) where they enjoyed having their son, daughter-in-law and three of their grandchildren nearby. "Papa" was able to enjoy many special visits from their other children and families where many cherished memories were made. Bill certainly made his mark at Discovery Commons, who was known for his love of sitting on the front porch visiting with other residents, Bingo, Trivia games, participating and winning many a Cornhole game, as well as, his Christmas displays. Upon their arrival to Discovery Commons, Bill decided he would take over the decorating for the common area where they resided on the 2nd floor, and organized gatherings with all the residents for Christmas Carols as well.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and Mr. and Mrs. Higgins, and his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn (who passed in August, 2025). Bill is survived by his son Richard "Rickey" McDonnell (Vicki) of Nashua, NH; Diane Cowles (Rusty) of Bath, NH; Stephen McDonnell (Lori) of Virginia Beach, VA. He is also survived by his seven loving grandchildren, Jeffrey McDonnell (Anamarie) of Maricopa, AZ; Jennifer Jette (Christopher) of Nashua, NH; Karen Bellidoro (R.J.), Kevin Cowles all of Bath, NH; Kaitlin McDonnell (Zach), Christopher McDonnell (Shea) all of Virginia Beach, VA; Megan McDonnell (Jacob) of Crestview, FL, as well as, 5 great grandchildren, Emily, Remy, Colt, Kennedy and Rowan. He is also survived by his brother Robert "Bobby" McDonnell and sister-in-law Stella of Laurel, Maryland and three nephews, Rob, David and Jamie McDonnell and their wives and families.

A funeral Mass is planned for April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Holy Family located at 1279 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA followed by inurnment at The Columbarium at the Church of the Holy Family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many caregivers at Discovery Commons, as well as, Nest Sr. Services, and Suncrest Hospice for the loving and compassionate care to Bill over the last four years.