Local real estate and business leader and mentor Keith O’Donnell died in Boca Raton on Nov. 28, 2025 at the age of 74.
O’Donnell was a principal at Avison Young. Throughout his decades-long career in Palm Beach County, he was an integral part of major projects in the area, including the sale of Office Depot’s global headquarters, Mizner Park, Lynn Insurance Group headquarters, advisory services for FAU’s Research Park, Lynn University’s masterplan, acquisition of the Lynn Cancer Institute, and more.
“We have lost not only a titan of the South Florida business community but a trusted leader whose guidance and vision helped shape the direction of our organization and our region,” the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce wrote on Facebook; he served as chair and board member at the chamber.
He also served on the City of Delray Beach’s Mayor’s Congress Avenue Task Force Executive Committee, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Board of Trustees, Boca Raton Downtown Vision Committee, Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board, Palm Beach Business Development Board and Connected Warriors Inc.
On Facebook, the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce wrote, “We lost a giant of the South Florida business community last week.” They also noted that he was the father of the chamber’s membership director, Carolina Rush.
She shared on social media, “He wasn’t just one of the best in the real estate world… he was THE best.
“I learned so much from him. He taught me the value of a dollar, taught me to always work hard and to never give up, and he was always my biggest cheerleader when it came to my career.”
O’Donnell is survived by his wife Diane, daughters Carolina and Melanie, and stepdaughters Alexandra and Adrianna, among other family members.
A service is being held today at 3:30 p.m. at Lynn University’s Wold Performing Arts Center, followed by a remembrance toast at 5:30 p.m.
