Dr. Dennis O'Donoghue (Dec. 8, 1841-Dec. 4, 1904) was a native of Ireland. He came to the United States in 1871. He soon joined the U.S. Signal Corps where he trained as a meteorologist. He was first assigned to Mobile, Alabama where he earned his medical degree while still working for the Signal Corps. He was next assigned to Washington, D.C. and it was from that post he came to Charlotte.Dr. O'Donoghue, as a Signal Corps member, opened and manned Charlotte's first real weather bureau. He later turned opened a medical practice in Charlotte and became one of the city's most prominent physicians.

Dr. O'Donoghue is remembered for his service as a city alderman, serving three terms. He is also remembered for his philanthropic activities. He contributed to many charities during his lifetime and left large bequests to the Catholic Church and a number of other charitable organizations. He is buried at the Belmont Abbey Cemetery in Belmont, North Carolina.