Obituaries

Harvey L. Odell, 83

January 16, 2016

Harvey L. Odell, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Luther Acres Manor. He was the husband of Nancy A. Wolfanger Odell to whom he was married for 63 years.

Born in Watertown, NY, he was the son of the late F. DeWitt and Grace (Rees) Odell. He graduated from Sandy Creek Central School, class of ’50. As a young man Harvey served his country in the US Army. Following his discharge, he began his career in banking, working for First National Bank of Syracuse and First Eastern Bank in Wilkes-Barre. He held various positions including Trust Officer, Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President. Later he shifted to a career in sales, working for General Paper Co. in Wilkes Barre and Hershey Paper in Lancaster. Upon his retirement, he and Nancy lived full time on their sailboat for 3 years, then part time for several more. At the same time, he started his own handyman business, Handyman Specialist, serving the Lancaster area.

Harvey was known for his almost endless variety of interests. After racing sailboats in his earlier years, he and Nancy spent several retirement years living on a sailboat. A track runner in his youth, he completed 2 half marathons at age 75. He earned his pilot’s license when he was 77 and participated in 2 cross country flights. He was a clock repairman and a beekeeper. In Lancaster he sang with the Wesley Singers and the Red Rose Chorus barbershop group and was a past member of Highland Presbyterian Church choir. He enjoyed playing golf and regularly exercised at the Universal Fitness Center. He was involved in community service throughout his life.

Perhaps more notable, Harvey was known as a friendly and willing ambassador to strangers, friends and family. He was the first to greet newcomers in any activity or organization he was involved in. His warmth, his quick wit and willingness to assist in any situation made him loved by many.

In addition to his wife, Harvey is survived by his son: Jeffrey married to Therese (Donelan) Odell of Tampa, FL; his daughter: Jill (Odell) Grey married to Thomas Grey of Elizabethtown; his 5 grandchildren: Christopher, Joseph, and Clare Odell and Amanda and Julie Grey; and by his twin sister, Natalie VanEgmond of Pulaski, NY. He was preceded in death by his brother, Davis Odell, Sr.

***SERVICES RESCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 30, 2016***
Due to pending weather concerns, the services for Harvey L. Odell have been rescheduled at Highland Presbyterian Church for NEXT Saturday, January 30 2016, with the receiving of friends by his family from 2-3PM and the service celebrating his life to follow at 3PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Harvey’s memory to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

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Condolences to the Family

February 04, 2016

Dear Mrs. Odell,
I am the corresponding secretary of the Sandy Creek Central School District Alumni Association. Every year, I so looked forward to your husband and you attending our alumni banquet.
I just wanted to say how, if it hadn’t been for your husband, I would not have been able to attend college. (I told him about that a few years ago.)
When he was working at the bank in Lacona, I appled for a student loan. My mother refused to sign any papers, thinking she would have to repay it, if I didn’t. Your husband took the time to drive to and visit her where she was working. He sat down with her and explained that she was only confirming the amount of her income, so that I would qualify for the loan ~ and then she signed.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Odell will be truly missed.
Mary Laveck Hicks, SCCS Class of 1968

January 20, 2016

Nancy, Jill, and Jeff,
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of Harvey. He phoned us (probably 2 years ago) and he sounded exactly like he did when we worked together at First Eastern Bank. Harvey always had a smile and a BIG “Hello”. He could do almost anything he set his mind to. We were proud to have him, you, and family as friends.
Neil & Melinda Seidel
Evansville, IN and Indian Rocks Beach, FL

January 20, 2016

Nancy
Sorry to hear of your loss. We were proud to know him. My father and he would great friends.
They are sailing together now.
God bless, Karl, Mark Arbogast

January 20, 2016

To Nancy, Jeff, and Jill:
We are so sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing. We had many good times up at the end of Poplar St.! Harvey had a very positive influence on all who knew him. Nothing seemed impossible with him. His talents were many and he was the original “multitasker”! RIP Good friend and neighbor!
Wayne & Marianne Williams Dallas,Pa.

January 20, 2016

So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing.
Lynn and Bob Nattress
Shavertown

January 19, 2016

Sorry for your loss . Aunt Nancy , Jeff , Jill and Family .I still have all of the photos he shared from his many adventures stored in my computer.God Bless You All.

January 19, 2016

Hi Nancy,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you at this time.
God Bless, Patricia Manton Seago

January 19, 2016

Sorry to read of Harvey ( Digger”s ) passing. I worked with Harvey at General Suipply for many years . I enjoyed our friendship and was sorry to see him leave as I did a few years later. He was a gentleman, friend and one great guy. I was glad to read that he got to enjoy his sailboat . I know he was quit the sailboat racer and had the winds at Harvey’s Lake outwitted.
THe world lost a wonderful guy. RIP
Bud Zoltewicz
Hanover Twp., PA 18706

January 19, 2016

So sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing. I am so glad that I had the chance to say hi when they last visited Sandy Creek for the annual school reunion. While I didn’t get the chance to speak with him very long I always enjoy seeing those that have moved away from the Creek when they return. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Brian MacVean

January 19, 2016

Always remember what a great guy (DIGGER O’Dell) was when he worked at the Lacona bank in Lacona,ny – he got me my first bank loan after i got out of the marine corps – whitch back in the 1950’s was no small thing, a really great guy & friend …
Joseph Miles
the villages, FL

Visitation: Saturday, January 30, 2016; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Highland Presbyterian Church; 500 E. Roseville Rd.; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Saturday, January 30, 2016; 3:00 PM; Highland Presbyterian Church; 500 E. Roseville Rd.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >