Steven “Spinner” O’Donnell was the type of person that brought people together. He was a passionate friend, uncle, and sibling. He was also a very passionate golfer.
Growing up, Steven was the youngest of seven siblings (two girls and five boys). He grew up in Eastwood, NY where he was a life-long member of Wanoa Golf Course.
Golf was a passion of Steven’s. His brother Mike recalls that when Steven was first diagnosed, one of the first things he asked was, “Can I still play golf?” Golf kept him going. During his illness, Steven would rest all weekend long so he could play in his golf league on Mondays. It took a toll on him, but as his brother Mike said, it’s what made him happiest.
Upon Steven’s passing, his friends and family wanted to honor him and his memory, and thought what better way to do that than hosting a golf tournament in his name. They held their first-ever tournament at Wanoa Golf Course on Saturday, June 11th. The event was sold out and was a huge success – not just monetarily – but it was filled with love, friendship, stories, and memories of Steven. They even gave away a commemorative poker chip with an outline of a photo that they felt perfectly represented Steven.
Stevens’ brother Mike thought they were ready for his passing, but when they day came, they weren’t. Steven had been living with Mike and his wife, but it still didn’t make saying goodbye to their loved one any easier. Mike fondly remembers the two Hospice nurses who came and stayed the whole time with them and Steven until his passing. Steven was sick for 32 months with cancer. He passed at the young age of 56 and left behind many mourning friends and relatives.
Thanks to Mike and Steven’s family and friends, an $8,000 donation was made to Hospice in memory of Steven from the 1st Annual Steven “Spinner” O’Donnell Memorial Open.
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