Chad O’Donnell
November 17, 1971 - July 3, 2025
We lost my brother Chad this week - taken far too soon at just 53 years old, from complications following liver transplant(s).
Anyone who knew Chad knew his great passion: basketball. A fundamental key to shooting a basketball is the follow-through. Without it, even the best aim often misses.
Few people followed through like my brother…
* He followed through on his dream — carving out a place in the game he loved. Despite never playing Division 1 ball, he became a Division 1 assistant coach at the University at Albany, a role he held for more than a decade. He helped lead the team through five America East Championships and five NCAA Tournaments, including a thrilling near 16-1 seed upset of UConn.
* He followed through with clients — helping other coaches earn their shot. Through the consultancy he founded, Capital Elite Agency, he guided them through every step, every opportunity, every interview, and every contract negotiation.
* He followed through for his friends and family — always dependable, always ready to listen, to laugh, to debate, or simply be present.
* He followed through as a father — showing up, teaching, guiding, cooking, cheering, and loving his kids: Declan, Brayden, and Madeline. He loved them unconditionally, as a parent should, and they were the center of everything he did. He was endlessly proud of the people they’re becoming, and I mourn most the days he so badly wanted to witness as they continue their journeys — though I know he’ll be with them, always.
* He followed through as a husband and partner. Chad was lucky to find Anna - steady, strong, and full of grace. Her grace has been on full display these past few months, as she weathered an unrelenting emotional roller coaster of hope and peril, improvement and setback. I can only hope that the enormity of her loss and the singular pain she feels is consoled in some small part by knowing how thankful he was for her companionship, love, and brave support throughout his life and as he battled toward the end. He would’ve done the same for her - or for anyone he loved - because that’s who he was. He always followed through.
* Even in death, he followed through — facing his final challenges with incredible strength and a determined will to live. He hoped and fought for the best, but prepared for the worst, making sure he did all he could to prepare and protect the people he loved should he have to depart.
Thanks for always following through, Chad. Now it’s our turn.
A GoFundMe has been established in support of his wife & children:
gofund.me/cc35
Rest in peace, with love.
Corey (Chad's Brother)
English
