Timothy (Ted) O'Donnell, husband, father, grandfather but perhaps most of all student of mankind, died on Friday, June 30th at his home in New Canaan at the age of 81. Soft spoken, a hopeless optimist and a truly gentle man, he was drawn less to overt illustrations of success than to the everyday gift of a kind ear and an empathetic soul. Ted was born on September 28, 1935 in Limerick, Ireland where he and his two younger brothers, Liam and P.J. made the O'Donnell name synonymous with academic excellence and hard work. Studying in both Ireland and Rome he was recognized for his formidable mind. He remained a lifelong learner, and teacher. The early 1970's brought him to New York City where he received his doctorate from Columbia University. In 1974 he married Barbara Bolin and, over the next forty two years they would make a life for each other and their two children, Arianne O'Donnell Schuck and John O'Donnell. He held boundless love for his three grandchildren, the joys of his life, Aidan and Allison Schuck and Mimi O'Donnell. Ted’s belief in the good that exists in each and every one of us would go on to benefit a generation of students in his role as Director of Guidance in Milford Connecticut for more than 20 years. Undeterred even by a long term battle with Alzheimer’s Ted still managed to bring out the best in all that came in contact with him. His hope, his faith, and his love, were the greatest lessons of his life and he shared them with a youthful enthusiasm that held little regard for failure. He will be missed. A wake will be held at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan on Thursday, July 6th from 5 pm to 8 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10am on Friday at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in New Canaan, with burial afterwards.