Henry McDonnell Obituary

Henry Joseph McDonnell, 82, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on September 8, 1943 in the Bronx, New York to the late Joseph McDonnell & Mary McHale McDonnell. Along with his parents, Joe is reunited in passing with his beloved wife of over 58 years, Mrs. Anne Laura Loughnane McDonnell; and sister, Marie Leonard. Joe was a hardworking man with a heart of gold and a zest for life. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. Following his honorable separation from the military, Joe returned home to New York and began his career in Law Enforcement. Joe spent years climbing the ranks and proudly retired as a Narcotics Detective for the New York City Police Department. During his time with the department, Joe met the love of his life and they started their family. Longing to enjoy the warmer weather, Joe and his family packed up the business they had started in their garage and relocated to South Carolina. Always one to provide for his family, Joe and Anne went on to re-open their own business. His family proudly continues to own and operate Surfside Equipment Rental & Sales and will continue the family legacy. Joe was a faithful man who avidly attended Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church where he made life-long friends and felt at home. Joe will be deeply missed but always remembered for his tenacity, bright smile, gift of gab and the love he had for his family and army of friends. Left to cherish Joe's memory are his son, Jimmy McDonnell and wife, Suzanne of Simpsonville, SC, daughter, Laura Leonard and her husband, Scott of Murrells Inlet & daughter, Paula Warren and husband, Dustin of Murrells Inlet; adoring grandchildren, Jared & Ryan McDonnell, Grace & Colin Leonard and Colton & Charlotte Warren; sister, Linda Torres; his beloved caregiver who has gone above and beyond, Mindy; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins; a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends, neighbors, church family and patrons. A Celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday November 15, 2025 at 10am, at Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, 2637 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends immediately following the service within the fellowship hall. At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Joe's name may be made to a charity close to his heart, the NYPD 10-13 Club of Myrtle Beach, 44 Shore Line Dr. Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family. To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit the funeral home website at www.burroughsfh.com. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.