ROBERT T. ODELL, of Hingham, died in the early morning hours on Saturday, May 5th, 2007 at the Cape Cod Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Buzzard's Bay just two months after suffering a stroke. He was 90.
Born in Braintree, MA in 1916, he was the second of five children born to Edward E. and Laura (Crowell) Odell. His only remaining sibling, Laura Chapin resides in Rochester, NY.
He was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Hughes) Odell and leaves two sons, Robert T. Odell, Jr. of Hull and David C. Odell of Sandwich. He will also be dearly missed by his many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Residing in Hingham for sixty years, Bob, as he was known to his acquaintances, was among the first and longest living active Fire Protection Engineers in the State of Massachusetts. He owned and managed a successful fire protection contracting firm for many years while cultivating his two sons in the trade who both remain active in the industry.
In his earlier years, he was an avid sailor and owned several sailboats in which he loved to get out on the open sea with his wife Betty and as many friends and family as he could squeeze in. He also enjoyed sailing with his older brother Edward out of St. Petersburg, FL where he owned a retirement home for many years while maintaining his roots in Hingham and eventually returning there full time.
He remained active until he fell ill in March, conducting his own banking, shopping, dining out and even providing some occasional fire protection consultation services "for pocket money" out of his office in Hingham.
In the last few years, he mostly enjoyed his quiet evenings, dining with his family and watching historical documentaries on TV. He was always ready for a conversation with anyone who would engage him, especially regarding world events, politics and his vast knowledge in the industry that he served for so long. His advice was always valuable and well received. He will be sincerely missed.
A Memorial Service will be conducted on Thursday, May 17th at 11 AM at the Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main St. (Rt. 228), Hingham, MA 02043.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Hingham Congregational Church.
The interment in the High Street Cemetery in Hingham was private.