California priest known as champion of oppressed dies at age 73

Published: 2003-12-19

OAKLAND, Calif. (CNS) -- Retired Bishop John S. Cummins of Oakland was the principal celebrant at the Dec. 15 funeral Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Berkeley for Father Bill O'Donnell, known as an untiring champion of the oppressed. Concelebrating with Bishop Cummins were Oakland Bishop Allen H. Vigneron; Father George Crespin, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker; and several priest friends of Father O'Donnell. Franciscan Father Louis Vitale of San Francisco was the homilist. Father O'Donnell was found dead at his desk at St. Joseph the Worker Dec. 8. The 73-year-old priest had served there as pastor from 1973 to 1995 and more recently as parochial vicar. He was active until the end of his life joining in protests and helping with parish duties, even though he had undergone bypass surgery about 10 years ago and had a second operation about two years ago.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .