Obituary for Bartholomew William McDonnell

Bartholomew "Bart" William McDonnell was born in March of 1935 in New York City to John and Bella McDonnell. He passed away on November 24, 2025. Bart's father worked for the federal government, and the family—along with Bart's younger brother, John—relocated several times throughout his childhood, living in Washington, D.C., Peekskill, New York, and eventually returning to Brooklyn.

Bart attended St. Anthony's School and LaSalle Academy, where he earned a track scholarship. He continued his education at St. John's College on an athletic scholarship, graduating in 1957. That same year, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and married Jacqueline Sherry. Together, they raised four children: Mary Jean, Grace, Bart II, and Christopher.

Bart built a long and successful career in magazine publishing, working with the Saturday Evening Post and Nation's Business before joining National Geographic, where he served as Eastern Manager and retired after 24 years. He was a longtime member of the New York Athletic Club, and he and his wife Jackie were members of the Vero Beach Yacht Club. After Jackie's passing in 2013, Bart later married Mrs. Barbara Underwood.

A devoted Catholic, Bart was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He was also a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and he and Barbara were members of the Knights of Malta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Following the Mass, a brief reception will be held, and Bart will be laid to rest at Crestlawn Cemetery.

A wake will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home from 3:00–5:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 PM.

Online condolences may be shared at coxgiffordseawinds.com.