Lawrence J. O'Dea

Lawrence O'Dea Obituary

LAWRENCE J. O'DEA (Age 88)
Of Livonia, MI, on December 30, 2010. Loving father of Mary Kay Kerr, Larry James III, Mark (Carol) and Deanna. Also survived by three brothers, two sisters, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. O'Dea was born August 22, 1922 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Green Belt High School in 1941. He joined the Berwyn Heights Fire Department in 1939, was a lifetime member and actively served for 20 years. He began working for the Federal Government at the age of 19 and after one month was promoted to foreman of the Department of the Interior. He served in the U.S. Air Force for three years during WWII stationed in Guam. He continued his career with the Federal Government and retired in 1979 after 35 years of service working for the Department of Defense, Chief Office of Industrial Security based out of Grand Rapids. He was a member of Toastmasters International. He was the founder of the American Legion, Taylor Post 200. He was a past president of St. Paschal's Dad's Club. Mr. O'Dea was laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Honors. Arrangements entrusted to the Taylor Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 23750 Goddard Rd. (313) 291-1800. Obituary/Guest Book at :www.voranfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence O'Dea

10 Entries

Cindy Hitz

January 20, 2011

My name is Cindy and I have been doing volunteer work at Woodhaven since it opened 23 years ago. As a result, I have had the privilege of getting to know many residents over the years. Your father will always remain one of my favorite residents. He was also my friend. He was so delightful and he had a zest for life that was refreshing. He especially enjoyed music and I loved playing the piano and guitar for him. I also played his organ for him several times.

My most precious memory of your father is that I was blessed to see him get to know Jesus as his Savior shortly before he passed away. What a comfort to know that he is with the Lord forever.

Eileen and Paul Gray

January 18, 2011

"Dear Cousin Larry", as we fondly remember him. I didn't meet up with Larry until the mid 1980's, after my father passed away. We were so blessed to have known Larry and share so many good times. He was ALWAYS full of energy, jokes, laughs, and lots of stories. I remember the campfires he would have in Berwyn Heights at our Great Aunt Alice's home. I also remember when Larry came to our annual Christmas party ONE DAY LATE, he was all ready to party, he swore the invitation had that date, until he looked at it later and finally realized he did have the wrong date. I called him several months ago and kept in contact with him throughout the years. I tried calling him around Christmas, but no one answered the phone. Then, today, sadly, I called and found out the phone was disconnected. I was very saddened to hear about Larry's passing. We will miss him a lot. He always shared words of wisdom and inspiration. We had many things in common, but one that is dear and near to our hearts was Diabetes. We shared many health concerns, especially with our son, Matt, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was 11 years old. Thanks Larry for all the memories and great times, you will never be forgotten. Please know that Larry and his family are in our prayers. Now, we all have a new Guardian Angel watching over us!!! OH and don't forget to tell everyone up in Heaven Hello!

Paul and Eileen Gray (daughter of Patricia Ann Driscoll (Healy)

Laura Gravilla

January 10, 2011

Larry has always held a special place in my heart. I remember running around Grand Rapids with him seeing things I never would have. He had a way of showing those around him how to live life with zest! Rest in peace my dear friend.

Ann Harris Davidson

January 9, 2011

Larry is remembered in Berwyn Heights, MD, where he grew up and where he was a dedicated member of the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
Our sympathies go to his surviving family members.

Carol Kissinger

January 9, 2011

Larry was one of the most interesting gentlemen I have ever met. I know he will be missed by his family. Rest in peace Larry. Carol Kissinger

Joan Azevedo

January 8, 2011

Larry was in our wedding nearly 31 years ago. He was a character, unlike anyone I will ever meet again. I treasure all the zany and wonderful times spent with LJ, at our annual Christmas parties, visits to his home in Battle Creek, and at his more recent facilities. I loved his stories, his beautiful handwriting, his friendship and his love for us. It was a pleasure meeting his family and friends at the service. Rest in peace, Larry. I will miss you.

Kelly Krell

January 5, 2011

I will always remember Mr. O'Dea because he and I shared the same birthday. He was always a pleasure to be around and to talk to. Especially, when him and Joann would show up at my parents house on the weekends. There was never a dull moment. He will surely be missed by all of us who knew him!!

Bonnie Palmeri

January 4, 2011

Mr.O'Dea lived down the hall from my mom, Dolores, at Woodhaven Retirement Community. I will always remember what a fine gentleman he was and how proud he was of our wonderful country. I will surely miss his patriotism.