Joseph Oddie

Joseph F. Oddie, 71, of Wallingford, CT entered into eternal rest on September 9, 2025. He was the devoted husband of 39 years to Donna (Watters) Oddie and the proud father of Taylor Young, who he loved as his very own. Born in Norwalk, Joseph grew up as the youngest of four in a large, loving Italian family surrounded by three older sisters, endless cousins, and lots of good memories. As a boy, he played little league baseball, cared for his beloved dog Suzie, and showed an entrepreneurial drive that never left him-running paper routes, cutting lawns, and starting small businesses long before he was grown. A graduate of Brien McMahon High School (Class of 1972), Joseph continued his studies at Assumption College and then Central Connecticut State University, where he earned a B.S. in English. His career path reflected both his ambition and his compassion: first as a top salesman with Johnson & Johnson, where he was ranked #2 in the country, and later as a probation officer for the State of Connecticut. He was deeply proud of this work, balancing the role of officer and counselor with compassion, especially for those who truly needed someone to believe in them. In 1984, while living in Columbus, Ohio's German Village, Joseph met Donna in a laundromat, sparking a love that became the foundation of his life. They were married on a hot summer day in 1986 and built a life filled with warmth, humor, and adventure. When Joseph became a father to Taylor at the age of six, he never thought of him as anything other than his own son, forming a bond that never wavered. Family vacations to the Outer Banks, holidays in Connecticut, and years of daily love and support created a lifetime of treasured memories. He also deeply cherished his time and connections with Donna's family in Ohio, including her sisters and brothers in law, and their nieces and nephews. He cheered on the New York Mets and Ohio State Buckeyes and had a true love-hate relationship his golf game-just ask his golf clubs. But he could often be found with Donna at his side on the golf course, enjoying the game together. He was a gifted storyteller, a history buff fascinated especially by World War II, a natural public speaker and active member of Toastmasters, and a gracious host who delighted in cooking and entertaining while welcoming others into his home. He and Donna also treasured their winters in Florida together. But Joseph's greatest joy in recent years came from being a grandfather to Aubrey and Charlotte. He loved his granddaughters immensely and never missed a chance to spend time with them. When they were little, he would happily cancel any plans-even a long-anticipated round of golf-just to babysit. He always made sure the freezer was stocked with ice cream treats for their visits, knowing it would bring them delight. To Joseph, nothing was more important than those moments together, and the bond he shared with his granddaughters was one of the most special in his life. He will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor and legendary pranks, his love of storytelling, and his ability to make those around him laugh almost as much as he did at his own jokes and pranks. Joseph had a tender heart for animals, adored playing with the children in his family, and made every gathering brighter with his warmth and wit. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Grace (Capozziello) and Joseph Oddie; his sister, Donna Jeanne Oddie; his nephew, Bryan Liberty; and his brother-in-law, Stuart Liberty. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Donna; his son, Taylor (and wife Nicole) Young; his two beloved granddaughters, Aubrey and Charlotte Young; his sisters, Carole Oddie and Geoia (Bob) Beyer; his niece, Jennifer Liberty; his nephew, Michael (Kelly) Liberty; his beloved Ohio family, as well as many loving cousins and wonderfully dear friends. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation on Thursday, September 18th from 11am to 12:30pm, directly followed by a memorial service at 12:30pm at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home located at 273 S Elm St. in Wallingford. In honor of Joseph, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. B.C. Bailey Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with Joseph's final care and arrangements.