Obituary of Andrew O'Donnell

Andrew Ladson O'Donnell, 39, from Newport, RI, passed away on May 1st, 2026. He lived a life defined by adventure and a love for the water and the people around him.

Andrew grew up first in Fairfield, Connecticut and later moved to Ancramdale, New York, where he enjoyed mountain biking, upland hunting and helping with chores on the family horse farm.

Andrew's love of rowing began at Salisbury School, where he earned a seat in the varsity boat and later served as team captain. At Hobart College, he rowed in the varsity eight all four years, helping lead the team through an undefeated Liberty League run. He competed at the highest levels of collegiate rowing, earning medals at the IRA National Championship, and the Head of the Charles Regatta. Even after college, Andrew stayed deeply connected to the sport, competing at the Henley Royal Regatta and coaching at Greenwich Crew, where he shared his passion and mentorship with younger athletes.

In 2013, he joined the Oakcliff Sailing Center, launching a sailing career that would take him across thousands of miles of open water and into some of the sport's most prestigious races. He logged more than 75,000 offshore nautical miles, including transatlantic races, Bermuda campaigns, and regattas. Some of his happiest moments were spent racing around Block Island with teammates and friends who became family.

Andrew continued to follow that passion for the sea through his work in marine composites, yacht performance, and racing. Curious and driven, he continually sought to deepen both his practical and academic understanding of the marine world, ultimately earning dual master's degrees in Oceanography and Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island.

Beyond the races and titles, Andrew's greatest source of happiness was being a father to his son, Beckett. He loved him deeply and treasured the time he spent with him.

Andrew's teammates and friends remember him as fearless and generous, a person who pushed others to be better while always offering a smile or a helping hand. He was the kind of person who made an impression everywhere he went and whose presence brought encouragement and humor to the people around him.

Andrew is survived by his son, Beckett; his mother, Sandy; his father, Robert; stepmother, Carol and his brothers, Jamie and William.

A funeral service to celebrate Andrew's exceptional life will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 3:00 PM at Emmanuel Church, 41 Dearborn Street, Newport, RI.

In lieu of flowers, Andrew's family requests that memorial contributions be made to a college fund established for Beckett O'Donnell via UGIFT529.com using UGIFT code: T0X-829. Or a donation in Andrew's memory to Newport Mental Health.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.