Harry William Odell

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Marblehead High School Massachusetts Institute of Technology Northeastern University

Harry Odell Obituary

ODELL, Harry William Harry William Odell, 86, of Glastonbury, CT, and beloved husband for 63 years of Priscilla (Marston) Odell, passed away on Tuesday (November 3, 2009) surrounded by his family. He was born in Lynn, MA, of the late Harry W. and Marie (Rioux) Odell, and was reared in Marblehead, MA, by his paternal grandparents. Harry graduated in 1942 from Marblehead High School, where he played on the record-holding football team that traveled to Massillon, OH to play that city's championship team. Following high school, Harry served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 29th Division, 116th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company M in the European theater, including the Omaha Beach landing in Normandy. Upon returning home, Harry married Priscilla and studied engineering and management at Lowell Institute, MIT, Northeastern University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He worked for numerous companies over the course of his lengthy career, including General Electric, Anderson Nichols, United Shoe Machinery, Standard-Knapp, Borg-Warner, Colt Industries, and the Maine Department of Economic Development. Harry belonged to the Philanthropic Lodge of the Masons of Marblehead, MA and the Sphinx Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Newington, CT. He also very much enjoyed the outdoors as a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the New England 4,000-Footers Club, with his last hike being up Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Harry is survived by his loving wife; and their three children, Wendy Odell Berryman and her husband Richard of West Lebanon, NH, Kimberly Odell Ordway and her husband David of Freeport, ME, and Craig W. Odell of East Hampton, CT; his six grandchildren, Jaime Berryman, Tracy Burton and her husband Shawn, Shonna and Gregory Ordway, Leigh Ann and Hailey Odell; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Logan Burton; and several nieces and nephews. Harry was predeceased by both of his parents and his sister Ruth Robinson. There will be a service to celebrate Harry's life on Wednesday, November 11, 2 p.m., at the South Congregational Church in Glastonbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, the Odell family requests that you make contributions in Harry's memory to either: the 29th Division Association, 206 Linden Ponds Way, #112, Hingham MA 02043, or the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington CT 06111, 800-452-0114. Please honor Harry's memory by visiting his guestbook at www.glastonburyfuneral.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Nov. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Odell

10 Entries

November 15, 2009

Harry was 'Wendy's dad' to me in our high school years, so it was a pleasure to re-meet in recent years at Healthtrax fitness club. You'd never see Harry without Priscilla, or vice versa, and always exuding their shared openess and warmth. (I chuckle to think of my own parents at a health club--together!)

Just last month, my partner Craig and I literally bumped into David Ordway at the Natural Products Expo East in Boston. I hadn't known David was married to Kim. What a big, beautiful and strong family the Odells nurtured.

Kat Jonah Lenane and
Craig Colvin

November 11, 2009

Harry was a man with an endless capacity for giving his love, time, energy and enthusiasm to all his friends and family. Our lives were all brightened by his generosity and joy in life. We were fortunate to be neighbors with the Odells and shared so many wonderful times together. Harry was always there with a huge smile, warm hug and a sincere interest in our lives. He especially charmed our daughters with his stories and jokes. We honor Harry and find comfort in his ability to make us all feel special and loved.

Paula Daukas and
Jeff, Lila and Sophie Wright

Ed Wright

November 10, 2009

Dear Priscilla, we were so sorry to learn of Harry's passing. We so enjoyed being with you both when we lived in Glastonbury. We remember many parties and Ed recalls being whipped badly on the tennis court every time he played Harry but enjoying it because Harry was such a good sport! Obviously we can't attend the service but we will be thinking of you both.
With great sympathy, Ed and Lenaire Wright, far away in Colorado.

November 10, 2009

I was so sad to hear of Harry's death. I enjoyed my visits with him and his great old stories. It was my privilege to have known him.

with sympathy,
Janet Levengood, RN

Clay Ordway

November 9, 2009

Though my relation is far from legal, i would have considered Harry to be a grand parent to me as well. He will be missed and remembered. To the rest of my family, the Idaho Ordways love you and wish you only the best during this hard time. Love Clay Ordway

November 9, 2009

Adam and I enjoyed your smiling face and great stories when you came into Center of the Plate!!! We will miss seeing you...and our thoughts go out to your family!! Adam and Lauren Driggs

Jimmy Daukas

November 9, 2009

All of the Daukas family members smile when we think of Mr. Odell. He was a great neighbor and wonderful with all the kids. I can still remember fun times at Woodledge. Jimmy

Glenn Daukas

November 9, 2009

Thank you for so many wonderful experiences and memories...driving around town in the back of your pickup truck with fake cigarettes singing “have a Lark, have a Lark, have a Lark today”… hiking in the White Mountains… Tuckerman’s Ravine… Woodlegde cookouts…playing hockey in your frozen back yard. And most of all, thank you for being a great neighbor and all the support and time you gave to my parents when they needed it. By being such a positive influence in our lives, you became part of who we are.

We'll miss you Mr. Odell.

Louisandbetty Rheaume

November 7, 2009

We loved you Harry...many great memories...skiing,tennis and plain talking,and more.
Louandbetty Rheaume

November 7, 2009

John and Mary Phillips, Salisbury, NH share your sorrow.

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