Joseph Jerome “Jerry” McDonnell passed away on October 9th, 2020 at the age of 66. He is survived by his adoring wife Rebecca (Forbes) and his loving children Jane (Ted Watts) and Joseph J. “Jerry” along with his beloved grandson, Irving and his loving mother Nancy. He was born on April 2nd, 1954; son of Joseph J. and Nancy McDonnell. He was a lifetime eastsider, having attended St. Clare of Montefalco grade school, University of Detroit High School, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University’s law school. He spent the 40 years of his legal career at Durkin, McDonnell, Clifton & O’Donnell, PC and Gallagher Sharp LLP, representing railroads in all aspects of personal injury litigation. Jerry’s greatest love in life was spending time with his family doting on his grandson. He had numerous interests including hunting and fishing, music, film, cooking, and baking bread. Jerry was the eldest of seven children and he will be dearly missed by his siblings and their spouses Lee Ann Harkaway (Paul), Patricia Convertino (John deceased 2009), Cathleen Diehl (John), Timothy (Andrea), Sheila Roarty (John), and Michael (Jill) along with his mother-in-law Jane Forbes and sister-in-law Nancy Leonard (Robert). He was an uncle to 21 nieces and nephews, and always showed genuine interest in what they were studying or doing at work. A private graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Loyola High School in Detroit at loyoladetroit.org or U of D Jesuit High School at uofdjesuit.org.