Michael D. O'Dell

Michael J. "Mike" O'Dell, 62, of Mohawk Trail, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

He was born in Binghamton, NY on June 14, 1956 the son of Jonathan and Virginia (Lyman) O'Dell. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Buckland.

Michael started working at the age of 16 and his first job was at Avery's General Store in Charlemont, then he was a machinist at Lamson & Goodnow into his early 20's. Throughout his 20's and 30's he worked for the New England Power company where he excelled in reading schematics for advanced wiring. He then started with Aetna Pumps in Greenfield as a truck driver and later became one of their top salesman.

Michael then started his own pump business in the late 80's called Mike's Pump Service, which he handed down to his son Daniel, who is assisted by his daughter Nicole.

Michael then was a truck driver for Stoney's Excavating of Montague and L & F Construction of Leverett, became the distribution manager at the Greenfield Recorder, and was a school bus driver for his children's school district for both elementary and high school. He broke the rules decorating the bus and giving out candy for every holiday. He cared deeply for the kids on the bus!

He and his wife owned and operated the Pioneer Valley Rest Home in Greenfield. They also had large weekend yard sales on Route 2 in East Charlemont for several years. He was a "Jack of all trades".

Everyone will miss him greatly!

Survivors include his five children; Timothy O'Dell of Bricksville, FL, Daniel O'Dell of Leverett, Craig Bryant of Leverett, Angela O'Dell of Greenfield and Nicole O'Dell of Greenfield. He also leaves two grandchildren, Amanda O'Dell and Willow Bryant.

A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held Friday, February 1 from 1 pm to 4pm at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St., Shelburne Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Charlemont Ambulance, PO Box 139, Charlemont, MA 01339

Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls is assisting the family.

www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com