- Date Of Death: April 16, 2017
- State: Pennsylvania
Danny O’Donnell, “The Master of the Banjo”, 82, of Coopersburg, died Easter Sunday, Apr. 16, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. He was the loving husband of Dolores (Rutz) O’Donnell for 49 years. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Hugh and Agnes (Ginner) O’Donnell. Danny was a 1953 graduate of Whitehall High School. He served with the US Marines during the Korean War. For over 50 years Danny played banjo and was a successful Vaudeville performer primarily up and down the east coast, including radio and TV performances. His natural musical talent earned him the nickname “Master of the Banjo”. He was employed by Mack Trucks in Allentown for 30 years and a member of the UAW (United Auto Workers). Danny was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, Quakertown; and of the Freemasons. Surviving with his wife are his children: Danny O’Donnell II, Bethlehem; Paul O’Donnell, wife Jeanine, West Chester and Erin Lee, husband Bruce, Yardley; grandchildren: Ryan O’Donnell, Kade O’Donnell, Kyra O’Donnell, Ella O’Donnell, Sean Lee and Owen Lee; and siblings: James O’Donnell, wife Juanita, Wilkes-Barre; Hugh O’Donnell, wife Judith, New Tripoli and Noreen Weikel, Alburtis.
