BRONX, N.Y. - The Fordham University Football program mourns the loss of former Ram John "Spike" O'Donnell, who passed away this week at the age of 74.
 
John came to Fordham after graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School. He played for the Rams in the 1971 and 1972 seasons and was an integral part of the great Fordham defenses of that era. A respected leader and fierce competitor, John was elected Captain in his senior year and led the team with 127 tackles. His fiery and colorful pregame and halftime speeches were team favorites.
 
John had a successful and highly decorated career in law enforcement that began with the Conrail Police Force in 1974, before joining the Westchester County District Attorney's Office as a criminal investigator in 1978. He would go on to serve under three DA administrations as a criminal investigator in economic crimes, narcotics, organized crime, and homicide. Among his achievements were contributing as a key investigator in the infamous Durst triple homicide case (along with the subsequent HBO documentary series The Jinx), training hundreds of personnel as a firearms instructor and serving three terms as the President and Vice president of the Benevolent Association of Westchester County (PBA).
 
He retired as a Senior Criminal Investigator, having impacted countless colleagues at all levels of their careers as well as a sprawling network of collaborators, from the NY State police to his own teams that he led on the ground. In retirement, he continued to enthusiastically champion and help further the careers of his family members and others he was closely connected to.
 
John is married to his wife Mary Ann and they have 2 children, PJ and Katie.
 
Visitation for the family: Monday, September 4, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
 
Fred H McGrath and Sons Funeral Home
20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, N.Y. 10708
 
Funeral Mass: Tuesday September 5, 11:00 AM
 
Annunciation Church
475 Westchester Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y.