Donald R. Odell Jr.

Donald R. Odell Jr., 94, of Marcellus, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Born in Olean, NY, Don spent most of his life in the Marcellus area, where he built both his career and deep roots in the community. He was a graduate of Bradford High School in Bradford, PA, and Bullis Prep School in Silver Spring, MD. He continued his education at Penn State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration where he maintained a lifelong connection as a dedicated member of the Penn State Alumni Association. While at Penn State, he was a proud member of Delta Tau Delta and competed as a boxer for his fraternity. After college, Don proudly served in the U.S. Army for several years. He also completed graduate work at New York University.

Don was the owner and operator of the Odell Brick Company in Marcellus, a well-respected building supplies business that served the community for many years. His strong work ethic and commitment to quality defined his professional life. His late son, Don “Wick”, joined the company after college and became the third generation in the family business. Earlier in his career, Don worked on Wall Street with the U.S. Trust Company of New York from 1960 to 1961.

A faithful Catholic and daily communicant for many years, Don was a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Marcellus. His faith remained an important foundation throughout his life.

Don found joy in biking, running, swimming, boxing, and reading—pursuits that reflected both his energy and curiosity. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. Don was a very devoted and loyal husband to his beloved wife of 68 years, Cornelia “Neilie”, and his greatest happiness was being surrounded by those he loved.

Don was predeceased by his father, Donald; mother, Virginia; sister, Mary Jane; and stepmother, Loie Odell. His son, Don (“Wick”) passed away just one day after him.

Surviving are his loving wife, Neilie; daughters, Christine (Pasquale “Pat”) DiNovo and Carolyn (Joseph) Sirera; son, David (Jill) Odell; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Dick; grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, and Leo; stepbrother, Gary (Amy) Clark; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be no calling hours.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1 W. Main St., Marcellus.

Don will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.