John "Jack" O'Dell
John "Jack" O'Dell

Obituary of John "Jack" J. O'Dell

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John "Jack" J. O'Dell Jr. 68, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday Feb. 2, 2010 at his home in Denville. Jack was born in Newark, grew up in Wharton, and was a resident of Denville since in 1968. He graduated from Morris Hills H.S. in Rockaway and went on to graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in Chemistry. He later attended Seton Hall University where he had been working on a Masters in Chemistry. He was an Environmental Scientist with the Federal E. P. A. in New York City where has been working since 1990. He was a long time member of the Church of the Saviour Episcopal Church in Denville and had served as choir director for both the senior choir as well as the children's choir in the 1970's. While his sons were young he helped coach Denville Little League as well PAL Hockey, and he was a scout leader. He was predeceased by his grandson Jameson G. O'Dell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Linda Calame, as well as his devoted sons and their wives John III and Sheila O'Dell of Denville and James and Shelly O'Dell of Rockaway Twp., and his two cherished grandchildren John J. O'Dell IV, and Erin Linda O'Dell. He is also survived by his close cousin Howard Odell and his family of Middletown, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Sat. Feb. 6, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ www.normandean.com. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Please light a candle in his memory on our web site. Donations are being accepted to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.