Who we are

The Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Ryan Fintan O’Donoghue, known as “OD” to family and friends. Ryan tragically passed away on April 13, 2020, at the age of 19, due to an undetected genetic heart condition. 

Despite his young age, Ryan made an incredible impact on the lives of those around him, known for his kindness, compassion, and loyalty. After graduating from Freehold Township High School in 2019, Ryan began his freshman year at Rowan University, where he pursued a degree in emergency response and disaster management. During his brief time he was a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he grew his passion about helping others, both academically and in his personal life.

Another defining aspect of Ryan’s character was his exceptional athletic ability. Throughout high school and into college, he played football, basketball, and lacrosse, excelling as both a player and a teammate. Before his passing he developed a passion for golf and skiing, showcasing his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new challenges. Whether on the field or the slopes, Ryan’s presence was always felt,  he had a gift for making others smile and lighting up every room he entered. His loyalty to friends and love for his family made him who he was, and it is his spirit that continues to guide the work of our Fund.

The Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund is dedicated to carrying on Ryan’s legacy by providing scholarships to students who reflect the qualities that defined him: kindness, perseverance, compassion, and a love for sports. We understand the challenges Ryan faced in school and his commitment to overcoming them. That same commitment is reflected in the students we seek to support, helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals. Through these scholarships, we hope to offer young individuals opportunities that Ryan deeply believed in, opportunities that can change lives.

In addition to our scholarship program, the Fund actively engages in charitable activities that were close to Ryan’s heart. We partner with organizations like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Monmouth Medical Children’s Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, and local sports teams to make a positive impact on the community. Each holiday season, we sponsor families in need, helping to provide joy and relief to those going through difficult times. These acts of kindness echo Ryan’s legacy of generosity and love.

An important annual event that helps sustain and grow our mission is the Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Golf Outing at Gambler Ridge Golf Club in Cream Ridge, NJ. This outing is a celebration of Ryan’s life, bringing together family, friends, and supporters to share stories, remember his infectious joy, and continue to honor his memory. Golf was one of Ryan’s newfound passions, and through this event, we celebrate both his love for the game and the lasting connections he made in his short but meaningful life.

At the heart of the Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund is the belief that Ryan’s memory can inspire others to lead lives of compassion, kindness, and generosity. The work we do is driven by the same principles Ryan held dear,  lifting others up, creating opportunities, and spreading joy wherever possible. We are committed to growing the community that Ryan cherished, ensuring that his legacy lives on through acts of giving and support for those in need. Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit remains a guiding light for our efforts, and through this Fund, we continue to honor all that Ryan stood for.

By supporting the Ryan “OD” O’Donoghue Memorial Fund, you are not just contributing to a cause, but helping to build a legacy of kindness, perseverance, and love that will touch countless lives for years to come. We invite you to join us in celebrating Ryan’s memory and making a lasting difference in the world, just as he did.