John O'Dwyer

John Austin O’Dwyer, 72, of Plano, Texas, was born on May 14, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Marmion Military Academy (1970), Loyola University in Chicago (1974), and Northwestern University (1980). Sadly, John passed away on April 27, 2025, after an 18-year battle against multiple myeloma.

He began his career at Pfizer Pharmaceutical, transitioned to National Starch, and in 1980, joined Celanese Chemical Corporation. John relished his career at Celanese and wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities, lifelong friendships, and memories made there.

John and his better half of 52 years, Dorothy, built a life filled with family, friends, and laughter. Their shared love of travel - including two international moves, their drive (slice) to perfect their golf games, embracing all things Wyoming, studying the art of fly-fishing, collecting wine, and generously giving back to the community, are just a few of the ways John filled his days. In addition to financial support, John’s philanthropy included his time, his leadership, and driving change in directing organizations near and dear to him: Bella House, the International Myeloma Foundation, and Teton Pines Country Club.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy, their children Maureen (Aaron), John (Bethany), Eileen (Jerry), and Michael (Jennie), his nine grandchildren: Madeline, Sean, Brian, Julia, Natalie, Evan, Erin, Josie, and Jack, his siblings: Thomas (Lynn), Austin (Liz), Maureen (Jeff), Patrick (Ginny), and Jeffrey (Kris), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John and Barbara O’Dwyer, and siblings: Rosalie and Gregor.

Family and friends are welcome to join in the celebration of John’s life on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options in Plano from 6-8:00 p.m. and a funeral mass the next day on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano. If you wish to join the mass via webcast, please visit: https://youtube.com/live/wTb7zXj-UdA?feature=share

In place of flowers, please consider donating to a cause dear to John. He certainly did his part, but there is still work to be done.

Bella House – bellahouse.org

The International Myeloma Foundation research – myeloma.org

UT Southwestern’s Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center – engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now