Dr. John J. O'Donnell Road Becomes Official!

Dr. John J. O’DonnellSaturday, August 17 - Dr. John J. O’Donnell Rd. was added as a name of Manor Rd. in Smithtown.

With a beautiful clear sunny sky overhead, scores of family, friends, employees,click on photo to enlarge - O’Donnell Family patients and spectators assembled as Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, and Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (former patient of Dr. O’Donnell)  unveiled a new road sign designating Manor Rd. as Dr. John J. O’Donnell Road. The sign located on the corner of Manor Road and Bank Street memorializes and honors the memory and contributions of Dr. John J. O’Donnell one of Smithtown’s best known and longest practicing pediatricians. 

Steve O’Donnell spoke of his father’s commitment to his patients and scouts.Dr. O’Donnell practiced in the town of Smithtown for over 30 years before retiring in his 80’s. Much of that time was spent in the building on the corner of the Manor Road and Bank Street intersection.  To the people who attended the naming ceremony he was much more than a pediatrician. To 10 people at the ceremony Dr. O’Donnell was “Dad”, to others he was the grandfather, father-in-law and great-grandfather. To Dr. Adler, who attended the ceremony, he was a colleague. To some he was the boss who demanded much of his employees and gave much more back. To some he was a supporter of animals and the guide dog foundation, an Eagle Scout, and to others like Eileen Riehl, who had never met him but heard a lot about him, he was a legend.

Dr. O’Donnell’s daughter Betsy Maniotis was all smiles as she said,”It’s a wonderful memorial to my father, Dr. O’Donnell, for all of his hard work giving back to the community. Not only in medicine but saving animals and supporting the Guide Dog Foundation.  I am one of 11 children it is a wonderful legacy to pass on to our children.”  

Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick, with obvious affection for Dr. O’Donnell and his family, stated, ” Dr. O’Donnell was a wonderful man, a great doctor, a great citizen of Smithtown and New York State.”  Judging by the smiles, everyone seemed to share the sentiment!