DALTON — Dennis J. O'Dea, Dalton, died peacefully Friday morning, June 17, 2016, in his sleep after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His wife was the former Mary Rizzo. The couple would have celebrated their 37th anniversary on June 23.
Born in Dalton, he was the son of the late Thomas Richard and Mary (Colombo) O'Dea.
Dennis was a 1972 graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School. He was a hardworking man that loved his family. He was compassionate and patient and always had time for others.
Also surviving are two sons, Justin O'Dea and his girlfriend, Melissa Stevenson, of Dalton; her children, Quinlan, Kailey, Lillie and Dennis' little buddy, Eamon; and Sean O'Dea and his wife, Ellie, of Roaring Brook; grandson, Nikos O'Dea; a sister, Marnie O'Dea Palmer, of Clarks Green; a brother, Sean O'Dea, of Dunmore. He had a special relationship with his Uncle Butch and Aunt Susie Colombo, of Glenburn; and with his mother-in-law, Rose Rizzo, of Scranton; brother-in-law, Vince Rizzo and wife, Karen; sister-in-law, Liz Griswold and husband, Steve; sister-in-law, Carol Jurbala and husband, Eddie; brother-in-law, John Rizzo and wife, Michelle; brother-in-law, Jim Palmer; an aunt, Angie Colombo; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; his father, Thomas Richard; brother, Patrick; and his sister, Katherine.
A special thank you to Dr. Hyzinski and his staff, Dr. Cochran and his staff, and Dr. Jaditz.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held from Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment to follow at the Abington Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you spread kindness in Dennis' honor.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA. To send the family an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shirley Lewis
June 13, 2025
My tears start w/ memories and Dennis' picture has that effect. I remember so much about him and what a good friend he was to my son Scott. I have a picture of Dennis and Scott from years ago on my fireplace mantle. I send him a "hello" often. Rest in Peace sweet boy.
Scott Lewis
June 13, 2020
Im still missing him and think of him often.
Patrick and Annl O'Dea
June 27, 2016
God Bless Dennis,
He is in our hearts and prayers forever.
Love, Pat and Ann O'Dea
Scott Lewis
June 21, 2016
I lit a candle Saturday nite, and sat there and remembered my old friend. And was sad. And I went back to my moms house last nite and lit a candle on the porch where we played as kids, and watched fireworks 4th of July couple years ago. Came home today and lit a candle for him. He was always part of my family. I miss the crap out him!
Scott Lewis.
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David Davenport
June 21, 2016
My condolences to the family and the passing of Dennis God bless may he rest in peace
shirley lewis
June 21, 2016
You are a brave soldier Mary O'Dea. I know that because Dennis told me. Many times. The path you have been on together these last years can't ever be well understood by the onlooker but....Dennis came to our Labor Day Family Reunion each September and even in these last days he was spunky, comical, always making sure he poked at me a little, to keep me well balanced. He was my son Scott's best friend, I loved him. I will miss him. My very sincere sympathy to Marnie, Sean and the boys but especially to you, an extraordinary partner to our Dennis.
June 21, 2016
Dear Mary and family.
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your precious Dennis. His life was an inspiration and i am thankful to have known him but briefly. His kindness, stories, and personable nature will always be remembered. May God bless your family and RIP Dennis.
Brettina Healy
BEVERLY MCHUGH
June 20, 2016
Mary,
So sad for what both you and Dennis had to endure for such a long time. May the love you had for each other sustain you in the coming months and years knowing how much he loved you for the compassionate and loving care you gave him throughout his ordeal. Sending prayers for you and your sons that the wonderful memories you have of Dennis will surpass your sadness .
Beverly McHugh
Charlotte Franco
June 20, 2016
My Mary and Family,
We all should be so blessed to share the love, courage and strength you've shown for each other over these past few years. You have my deepest love and admiration, always.
June 20, 2016
He was the most talented guy I have ever known.Dennis always found the humor in any situation,and could overcome any obstacle. he is the only person i ever met that could tell a longer story than me.I will miss our long chats and his humor. Deepest condolences to Mary,Justin, Packy,Sean and Marnie.He was one of a kind,he was the best kind.
Allan Perfilio
June 20, 2016
Mary and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. Dennis fought a hard battle with strength and dignity. He will be missed by all who had the priviledge to know him.
Dr. Allan and Chris Perfilio
Beth Haver Rice
June 19, 2016
Dear Sean
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So many childhood memories with you and your siblings on West Main St
My sincere sympathy and condolences
Kathy Armstrong Wise
June 19, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear of Denny's passing. Although I only saw him a week each summer when I came to visit my grandmother, his kind spirit and zest for living left a lasting impression on me. I pray his family and friends find peace and comfort in his memories.
Sharon Naughton
June 19, 2016
To Mary and Family:
Dennis was a wonderful man and I will remember mostly his great sense of humor. May you find God's comfort in the days to come.
Linda Mangiola And Jerry Drake
June 19, 2016
God Bless You Mary. Thinking of you with sadness for what you both endured. Dennis is now at peace. May you find peace in your heart soon.
Laura and Kurt Haarmeyer
June 19, 2016
Dear Mary and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences. May memories of your kind, loving, compassionate life together carry you through the sad days ahead.
Al and Liz Delicati
June 19, 2016
Mary, our hearts are heavy with sadness today. Allan enjoyed talking construction with Dennis, Old school like him. Dennis' strength and courage was inspiring. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss him.
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Funeral services provided by:
Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411

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