Charles Strafford Odwin

Charles Strafford Odwin was born on September 25, 1950, in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, to his devoted parents, Ethel Sada Odwin, originally from Panama, and Egbert Roy Odwin, originally from Cuba.

In 1965, Charles immigrated to the United States, where he pursued his education through junior high, high school, college, and postgraduate studies. From an early age, Charles displayed a love of art. While in high school, he attended the Brooklyn Museum Art School, where his talent earned him numerous awards.

Charles went on to graduate from Hostos Community College and built a successful career as an X-ray technologist. Using his artistic skills, he designed the Hostos Community College Radiologic Technology Pin. After five years as an X-ray technologist at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Charles returned to school to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. His expertise and dedication led him to the role of Supervisor of Ultrasound.

As supervisor, Charles contributed to the advancement of the field by writing and publishing eight clinical journal articles. One of his works earned a prestigious Recognition Award for Publishing Excellence from the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A respected leader in his field, he served as a CME reviewer for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and was a senior member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Charles also taught at numerous ultrasound schools throughout New York and shared his knowledge as a lecturer at national and international ultrasound conferences.

In 1987, Charles published his first textbook. Always committed to growth, he earned a bachelor's degree from Lehman College in 1993 before pursuing further training to become a licensed Physician Assistant. After completing his postgraduate residency in OB/GYN at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Charles joined North Central Bronx Hospital, where he served as a senior licensed OB/GYN Physician Assistant for 27 years.

During his distinguished career, Charles became Director of PA Ultrasound at North Central Bronx Hospital and accumulated over 40 years of experience as a diagnostic medical sonographer. His dedication and impact were recognized in 2019 when he was honored as America's Top Physician Assistant by the Point of Care Network. He also served as Clinical Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University's College of Health Professions and was the author or co-author of 10 textbooks and 8 journal articles.

Outside of medicine, Charles was also a gifted martial artist. He was a black belt in karate, competed in tournaments at Madison Square Garden, and even appeared in a movie with Bruce Lee.

Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Charles was a man of humor, warmth, and generosity. He loved to educate others-whether on medicine or finances-but always found time to make family and friends laugh with his humor and unforgettable jokes.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Caraballo-Odwin; his son, Michael Odwin; his cherished granddaughter, Maliyah Rylee Odwin; and his siblings, Trevor V. Odwin, Jean E. Monteith, Yvonne L. Thelwell, and Andrea M. Odwin-Clarke.

His legacy of knowledge, strength, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Reposing will be held on Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th, from 3 - 7 pm. Parking is available at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Ave. Committal will be private.