Paul Vincent Odell

1937 - 2018

Paul Vincent Odell

Ithaca - Paul Vincent Odell, beloved husband of 59 years to Juanita, loving father to Tim and Cindy, and generous friend to many, died suddenly on December 26, 2018 at Cayuga Medical Center. He was 81. Paul was the youngest son of Harry and Neva Odell of Ithaca, NY. He was born at home on Marshall St. on August 10, 1937.

Paul lived his early life in Ithaca and attended Fall Creek elementary school. As a young person Paul loved playing basketball and baseball at Northside House youth project. He was a talented athlete. Paul graduated from Ithaca High School in 1955.

After high school, Paul started his long and distinguished banking career at First National Bank, Ithaca, where he rose to Vice President. During this time Paul also served 8 years in the Army Reserves. After taking early retirement from FNB, he continued his career at Community Bank where he enjoyed offering his professional skills to support local small businesses. Paul retired from Community Bank in 2000 and continued to contribute his financial knowledge and skills in various ways to his community.

Paul's faith was very important to him and he was a leader in the church communities of St John's (Ithaca) and later Church of the Epiphany (Trumansburg). Paul generously gave his time to many other community organizations, including Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, Friends is Service Helping (FISH), and Lifelong.

Paul was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Giants. He loved many sports but especially golf. Along with being an avid golfer Paul developed an interest in travel. Memorable trips with family and friends included Maui, Hythe, Kent (UK), the Danube, France, Scotland, and cross-country drives in the US.

Paul was predeceased by his father Harry, mother Neva (Foote), sister Dorothy, brother Charles, and sister Frances (Sharpe). He is survived by his wife Juanita who he loved beyond measure, daughter Cindy Lapoff (George Stooks), and son Tim Odell (SherryAnn Conlin). His noble and generous nature will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Epiphany in Trumansburg, NY on January 9, 2019 at 11am, followed by a reception in the parish hall for friends and family. There are no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tompkins County SPCA or the Church of the Epiphany, Trumansburg, NY.