Matthew J. McDonnell, Esq.

McDonnellpictureMatthew J. McDonnell Esq., 74, of Quincy, formerly of Dorchester, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday July 29, 2015.

To his family he was a big brother, devoted father, trusted uncle, proud grandfather and loving husband to his best friend and wife of 48 years Eileen (Dervan) McDonnell. To countless others, he was a dedicated friend, honest counsel, master storyteller and Red Sox fanatic.

Matt was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (Angland) McDonnell and John Matthew McDonnell. He is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses: Matthew and Theresa McDonnell of South Boston, Paul and Laura McDonnell of Wellesley, Marie McDonnell Howard and Alex Howard of Arlington, Eileen and Jon Casciari of Winchester, and Christine and David Smoragiewicz of Belmont; his beloved siblings Ann Ragonese, Paul T. McDonnell and Margaret Murray; and nine cherished grandchildren Matthew S. McDonnell, Sabrina McDonnell, John Howard, Colin Casciari, Elizabeth McDonnell, Ronan Howard, Peter Smoragiewicz, Meah Casciari and Thomas McDonnell.

A son of Irish immigrants, he learned to be industrious as a young child selling newspapers at Ashmont Station. He later achieved “Triple Eagle” status having graduated from B.C. High ’59, Boston College ’63 and Boston College Law School ’66. Matt was passionate about the law and proud of his practice. He was a leader in the community, serving as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #180 of Lower Mills, President of the Quincy Lions Club, the Quincy Bar Association, the Norfolk County Bar Association, the Neighborhood Club of Quincy and Merrymount Association. Matt was a board member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Foundation, Notre Dame Academy of Hingham, Por Cristo and the Quincy College Board of Governors. He was also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Of his many accomplishments, including the daily crossword, Matt was most proud of his family, always making time for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home at 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON Tuesday, August 4th from 4pm to 8pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory Church, Dorchester, Wednesday, August 5th at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Boston Medical Center: https://development.bmc.org/donate.