Daniel James McDonnell

Daniel (Dan) James McDonnell passed away peacefully at his home in Diablo, California on August 1st after a brief illness. Born in Oakland to Jack and Mary McDonnell, he was the middle of seven children. Dan graduated from St. Mary’s College High School and Armstrong College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Dan began his career path in the retail nursery business as a young boy by working for his father at McDonnell Nursery. While the original nursery business began in Oakland with his grandfather, Patrick, the nursery as we know it today was started by his father, Jack. The first retail store opened in Oakland in 1933. Dan worked at the family’s Walnut Creek store before taking over the Orinda location from his father in 1979. Orinda is the last retail site still in operation. He was proud to work full-time until very recently.

Dan will be remembered for his generosity, strong work ethic, commitment to the community and most especially his sense of humor. He loved playing golf and gin with friends at Diablo Country Club. He was also a longtime season ticket holder and dedicated fan of the Oakland A’s.

Dan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Lou, his daughters Kelley McDonnell and Sarah McDonnell Slight (Mark), his grandchildren Noah and Heidi Slight, his six siblings John McDonnell, Jr., Kathleen Woolsey, Margaret Twomey, Mary McGuinness, Nonie McDonnell and Martha McDonnell and many beloved nieces and nephews.