Herbert E. O’Dell, 88, of Newcastle, passed away Sept. 3 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta. Born in Peekskill, N.Y. on March 23, 1923, he was the son of Harold and Ruby (Beaton) O’Dell.
Herb graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 1950 and spent most of his professional life in Tappahannock, Va. While in Virginia he worked in optometry for over 20 years, and was also very active in many different professional and community activities.
In 1978, he retired to Maine where he continued to work with various colleagues in private practice, which included two years working in Canada. In his retirement, he was an avid outdoorsman and was a member of the Damariscotta River Association. Retirement also allowed him to pursue his hobby of woodworking.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey O’Dell; and brother, Roger O’Dell.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce O’Dell of Newcastle; daughter, Karen O’Dell of Coshocton, Ohio; step-children, Janet Leader of St. Kitts, West Indies, Diane Lutes and husband Guy of Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada, and Karen Carroll and husband John, also of Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada; grandchildren, Nicole, Trevor, Craig, Brett, Alyson and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Tahj, Kiarah and Jett; sister, Elinor Hughes of Schenectady, N.Y.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service 11 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 8 at the Water of Life Lutheran Church, 618 U.S. Rt. 1, Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Water of Life Lutheran Church, PO Box 206, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
