Richard I. O'Dell

Richard I. O’Dell, 81, of Cortland, NY, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, at his home.

Born in Pitcher, NY, on March 9, 1941, Richard was the son of the late Lawrence and Alta Morgan O’Dell.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict where he attained the rank of Sergeant.  He retired from the Cortland Regional Medical Center after 40 years of service so that he could spend more time with his grandchildren.  Richard loved watching football and rooted for all the teams.  He enjoyed working on cars for his family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his brother, Elwin O’Dell of Florida, and his sisters, Kim Anderson of Florida and Harriette Booterbaugh of Michigan.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Donald Williams, Jr. of Truxton and Lyla Williams of Maryland; his great-grandchildren, Melinda Walrath of Pennsylvania, Samantha Williams of Cincinnatus, Brandi (Sam) Gibson of Pennsylvania, Brooke Williams of Maine, NY and Chloe Williams of Cortland; his caregiver, Debbie (Larry) Kriever of Homer; 8 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Marjory O’Dell, in 2009; brothers, Earle, Ralph, Phillip, Morgan and James; and sisters, Josephine Cross and Wanda Adams.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.