James J. McDonnell 'Mr. Biltmore'

83, of Johnston, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Joan L. (Sindoni) McDonnell. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late James J. and Delia L. (Abbood) McDonnell. Mr. McDonnell worked for the Providence Biltmore for over 50 years as the Director of Catering. He will always be known as, "Mr. Biltmore", having helped plan thousands of weddings and special events. Mr. McDonnell was also a Navy Veteran.

He is survived by his children; James J. McDonnell and his wife Christie, Steven McDonnell and his wife Lesley, all of Cranston, and Jeffrey McDonnell of Johnston. Mr. McDonnell was the cherished grandfather of Kyle, Jessica, Brandon, Gianna, Lauren, Stephanie, and Katherine. He was the brother of Jeanette Hall, Irene Richardson, Dennis McDonnell, and the late Thomas McDonnell.

His funeral will be held from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Friday at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Atwood Avenue, Johnston at 11 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will take place in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITING HOURS: Thursday 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Robert's Church and Charitable Ministries, 1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.

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