THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 12, 2024 Page 3 APPRECIATION: Joe O’Donnell, one of the most successful business and real estate magnates in Mass. history, always cherished his roots He did so much, for so many, for so long: Everett native raised $500M-plus for cystic fi brosis, donated generously to Harvard, Malden Catholic & hometown $3.98 87 87 $3.59 Joey O’Donnell, who passed away in 1986 from cystic fibrosis, was the reason philanthropist Joe O’Donnell founded The Joey Fund, which to date has raised over $500 million for research on treatment and a cure. (Courtesy/joeyfund.org) By Steve Freker I t is said in ancient Greek history that Diogenes wandered the streets of Athens, circa 370 BC or so, in broad daylight with a lighted lantern, “searching for an honest man.” The philosopher was not successful in his lifelong crusade, it is recounted. Could the same be said for the following quest? Over the expanse of the past five decades-plus, find us someone, particularly in the Everett-Malden region – and far beyond, who has not benefi ted from the seemingly limitless largesse of Joe O’Donnell. A bit of an exaggeration, perhaps, but really not far removed from the truth. What is also true is that every day O’Donnell spent on this earth, literally thousands and thousands of other people were living lives that were enhanced by his philanthropy, business acumen or “straight-talk” advice. Joe O’Donnell passed away too soon the other day, at the age of 79. Hope against hope that some gifted author will chronicle the amazing story of this man’s life, a guy who relished his roots as a “kid from Everett,” where he grew up in the Joe O’Donnell was one of the most well-known, well-respected and well-liked people in Massachusetts over the past several decades. A prolifi c philanthropist, he passed away Sunday, at 79. (Courtesy Photo/Harvard Gazette) 1950s. “Everett was a tough neighborhood in a tough city,” O’Donnell told the Harvard Gazette in a 2018 interview. “There were a lot of good people there, and if you acted like a jerk, someone for sure would kick your ass. It was a great educational experience. It made me tough.” He went to local schools until his high school years, when he earned a scholarship to Malden Catholic High School. His brothAPPRECIATION| SEE PAGE 5
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