Michael was born April 8, 1966 at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL on Good Friday at 3:00PM. (The day and the time were important to him as liturgical impact. It was key to his vocation.)

Michael was the loving father to Amelia Elizabeth McDonnell and Declan Gerard McDonnell. He was the devoted son of the late Thomas Patrick McDonnell and Betty Barlow McDonnell. He was the cherished brother of Thomas Patrick McDonnell, Jr. and the late Mary Elizabeth McDonnell Jeroniumus Cox. 

He was the fond uncle of Megan Jeronimus Gengo, (Patrick), Kara Jeronimus Holm, (Josh), and Alexanna Cox. He was a great-uncle to Nathan, Noah, Ben, Isaac and Aubrey, Mary Grace and Thomas Patrick. 

Michael graduated from Rich Township High School. He was active in debate, sports, and drama. He won degrees from Loyola U, Chicago, (Theology, B.A) and Governors State U. (Social Justice Studies, M.A) 

Michael dedicated his whole adult life to help the disadvantaged. As head of the Junior Board at Catholic Charities for years, he trained volunteers, organized programs to help the poor, ran a soup kitchen, a grocery set up, worked for housing vets, maintaining regular communication to keep supporters aware of needs and problem solutions. He worked hard to maintain the respect of the community and show the importance of the work and accomplishments, of Catholic Charities, which even now, continues. He later became the CEO of another non-profit organization. 

Michael spent three years at St. Margaret's Franciscan Hospital in Hammond, as patient advocate while patients were not allowed visitors because of covid, he was allowed to support them and staff. 

People have said persons might give you the shirt off their back, but that was literal for Michael. He gave without question. One cold winter night, getting a train home from downtown, he saw a homeless person, with no coat, suffering. He took off his own coat and gave it to the man. His answer to what could he do now, without a coat? It was, "I'm getting on a warm train and will soon be in a warm house, and I have other coats." That was that, the story of a giving life.