Donald R. O’Dell passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his home in Highland Mills. He was 85 years old.
The son of Marion Sniffen and Robert O’Dell, he was born on Jan. 19, 1935, in Peekskill, NY.
Donald R. O’Dell has been described by many as a “gentle giant” and a “true gentleman.”
He was a 42-year employee of Con Edison, starting as a lineman and ending as an Overhead Supervisor.
A resident of Highland Mills since 1964, he was one of the initial purchasers of new homes on Hickory Street. He was a member of the Woodbury Field & Stream Club as a past president and vice president; a member of the Woodbury Fire Dept. as a Fire Policeman; the Woodbury chapter of the Boy Scouts as a troop leader; and he was a ready volunteer for any organization that asked, including Meals-On-Wheels.
As an usher for St. Patrick’s Church, Donald was regularly seen at either the eleven or twelve o’clock Masses with his wife Joan, who predeceased him in March 2008.
From 2008 until Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, Donald missed his wife every day and peacefully joined her from his home after all his children and grandchildren had the opportunity to say goodbye on Saturday, Jan. 9th.
He will be sadly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Donald is survived by his son Kevin O’Dell and his wife Daniela of Valhalla and his daughter Joan Vasquez of Central Valley; as well as ten grandchildren: Jessica, Kevin, Shaela, Bridget, Nicholas, Garrett, Tristan, Grayce, Madison and Kevin; and two great-grandchildren: William, and Samantha.
In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his wife Joan V. O’Dell, as well as his brother Robert O’Dell and his sisters Sherry Williams and Marion Koch.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Chapel Service beginning at 7:45 p.m. at Smith, Seaman, and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Woodbury American Legion, Post 779, P.O. Box 252, Highland Mills, NY 10930; or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.give.bcrf.org).
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185: www.ssqfuneralhome.com).