Roland H. O'Dell, 82

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Roland H. O'Dell, 82, a resident of Gore Road, passed away June 11, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

Roland was born in Bennington on May 17, 1934, the son of the late Merritt and Hazel (Fisk) O'Dell and attended local schools.

While living in Medina, N.Y., Roland worked for Birds Eye Food/Heinz and 10 years at Whitmore & Jacksons. Upon moving to Bennington, Roland worked for Ben-mont Paper, Bennington Pottery, nearly 30 years at Johnson Controls until they closed and at the Vermont Veterans Home, retiring in 1999.

Roland was a member of the Vermont National Guard for eight years, the Bennington Horseshoe Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking in his wood shop. In his earlier years he played horseshoes and was named to the Horseshoe Hall of Fame.

Roland is survived by his wife, the former Beverly Johnson of Bennington, whom he married in Medina, N.Y., on June 27, 1958; his son, Mark Brian O'Dell of Bennington; his brother, Leon O'Dell of Shaftsbury; his sister, Mildred Malone of Medina, N.Y.; grandchildren Brandon and Taigan O'Dell, great-grandchildren Winter-Skye, Nicole Tay and Giavannah-Gabriella; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Roland O'Dell Jr. who died in 1977; brothers Merritt O'Dell Jr., William O'Dell, Vernon O'Dell and Donald, O'Dell; sisters Louise Beatrice Leazer, who died July 6, 1998, and Marjorie Bevins, who died in 2010; and his stepfather Charles William Hunt, who died September 8, 1990.

Funeral notice: At the request of the family there are no formal funeral services. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Roland's memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Bennington Rescue Squad, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201.