Dan O'Donnell
Linda Zabors
Dan O’Donnell was the owner of Armitage Hardware and a long time supporter of Irish students. Dan became an owner of Armitage Hardware in 1967. The original store from 1896 had been for general merchandise before it became a hardware store in 1922 under previous owners. Dan and his wife, Kathleen, lived above the store and bought and restored historic properties in the area. The O’Donnell’s quite literally helped rebuild Lincoln Park from a gang ridden, run down neighborhood residential and commercial area, to the beautifully restored and prosperous neighborhood it is today.
He started to employ Irish students who were on work visas and staying at a nearby youth hostel. This became a decades long collaboration; through the years he helped thousands of Irish exchange students with summer employment and housing.
Dan was an invaluable support to the neighborhood residents and businesses. He was the go-to guy and would be found giving words of support or a hand shoveling snow. He would also organize support for the local food pantries, for hurricane relief all over the country, and for medical support for young travelers. Dan offered whatever support he could for anyone in need.
50-Year member of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeview
Honorary Dan O’Donnell Way
900 West Armitage Avenue
Approved: 2021
Ward: 43
Alderman: Smith
Neighborhood: Old Town
Armitage Hardware
925 W. Armitage Avenue
d. January 19, 2021. Age 80.
