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Honoring and congratulating Patrick O’Donnell on the occasion of his retirement following 35 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens.
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WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School and Randolph Skills Center in 1982. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. as a mechanic working on Harrier Jets. He has exhibited a great sense of pride for the City of Philadelphia and has faithfully served both his City and Country; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell began his career with the City of Philadelphia in 1985. Patrick started as a custodial worker for the City of Philadelphia Health Department. In 1988, Patrick worked for the Philadelphia Water Department as a water meter reader. In 1989, following in his parents footsteps, Patrick was hired by the Philadelphia Streets Department as a semi-skilled laborer. Both of Patrick’s parents worked for the Streets Department from the late 70’s through the early 90’s; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell worked his way up through several supervisory positions within the Philadelphia Streets Department, ending with Technical Service Manager. In 2012, Patrick transitioned to the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections as the Director of Operations, overseeing property maintenance and business compliance; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell returned to the Philadelphia Streets Department in 2013 to accept the position of Right of Way Manager. In 2017, Patrick O’Donnell was promoted to Transportation Director of Operations; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell is an honorable man who exemplifies all the characteristics of a model City employee. Throughout his decades of experience with the City of Philadelphia, Patrick has always been considered by many a “go to guy” to get things done. Never letting bureaucracy or red tape stand in the way, Patrick would always go above and beyond the call of duty. If Patrick could not get you an answer, which was rare, he would always find someone who could; and
WHEREAS; Patrick O’Donnell, never one for attention, is the type of person who works well behind the scenes. Patrick O’Donnell is a dedicated employee with a well-respected reputation for working and responding to emails anytime of day: mornings, nights, or weekends; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell has worked tirelessly throughout his career to build relationships with numerous government agencies, elected officials, and their staffs. He also played an integral role in the development of several noteworthy projects including but not limited to: Live 8, The Republican National Convention, The Democratic National Convention, the implosion of Veterans’ Stadium, and the construction of The Kimmel Center; in addition to orchestrating helicopter lifts in the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell, a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, has lived his entire life in the City of Brotherly Love and is happily married to his lovely wife, Terri. They reside in the Far Northeast Section of the City in the Fox Chase Neighborhood. They are the proud parents of six children and two grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell’s tenacity to succeed has been his own personal drive. Patrick is one of kind and the City will miss his vast institutional knowledge and expertise when he departs. Patrick O’Donnell is loved by his wife, adored by his children, respected by his staff, and will be missed by all; and
WHEREAS, Patrick O’Donnell has spent countless hours on snow duty working many thankless weekends at his desk, Patricks’s greatest pleasure moving forward in his retirement will be not having to worry about which category snow emergency the City is under while he relaxes on his couch with his hot cocoa; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor, congratulate, commend, and thank Patrick O’Donnell on the occasion of his retirement following 35 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Patrick O’Donnell, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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