Robert William Odell, Sr., 87, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully at his home on April 9, 2016 surrounded by his family.

Born in Poughkeepsie on July 26, 1928, he was the son of Willis and Georgianna Knapp Odell. Bob was employed as a Custodian with the Wappingers Central School District at Fishkill Elementary School until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Wiccopee Community Methodist Church. He enjoyed raising goats and chickens, and loved playing dartball.

Bob was a devoted and dedicated firefighter. He was a charter and life member of the Wiccopee Fire Company #4 where he also served as the Chief for many years. He was the District Chief for the East Fishkill Fire District, and was the Captain of the East Fishkill Fire Police. He was a member of the Dutchess County Fire Police and Putnam and Westchester Fire Police Associations.

On July 11, 1981 at the Wiccopee Community Methodist Church, Bob married Dorothy Schork Van Anden who survives at home. He is also survived by his 8 children and their spouses, Robert and Phyllis Odell Jr., David and Kathy Odell, Shirley, George Van Anden and Liz Whitney, Christine and Tom McCluskey, Lisa and Richard Wallace, Ross and Eileen Van Anden, Edward Van Anden and Tara Cardone; his 23 grandchildren and their spouses, Geoffrey and Jessica Van Anden, Nicole and Cole Morrison, Ryan McCluskey and fiance’ Jessica Schirmer, Roy White and Jessica Bernard-White, William Penny, George and Karrisa Wallace, Allison Van Anden and fiancé Cody Schneggenburger, Colleen Van Anden, Patricia Van Anden, Kristina Van Anden, Tyler Van Anden, Dylan Van Anden, Patrick and Mellisa Odell, Kelly and John Dixon, Jamie and Rodger Parker, Wesley Calkins, Windy and Eric Frank, Michelle and Brad Lowder, Rick Armitage, Judy Tanzosch, Sarah Tanzosch, Rebecca Tanzosch and Kate Tanzosch; his siblings, Charlotte McMillan, Elizabeth Patton, and Olga Taylor; his sister-in-laws, Janice Odell and Ena "Tiny" Odell; former spouse, Alice Alimonti; 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Willis Wesley Odell and George Odell; sister Reeda Dubois, his grandson, William Odell and his granddaughter, Calina White.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday form 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The members of the Fire Department will have a service at 7:30pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11am at the funeral home followed by interment in Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Wiccopee Fire Company or the Wiccopee Community Methodist Church. Please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

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