It is with much love that we mourn the passing of Jerome Reed O’Dell of Pine City on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the age of 92.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by Louise, his wife of 59 years: children – Nancy (Jack) Taft and James (Andrea) O’Dell: grandchildren – Tyler (Molleigh) Taft, Mackenzie (Cuba) Leach, Natalie O’Dell, Zack Taft, Madison Taft: great grandchildren – Colson and Connor Taft, Lilliana, Annalise and Gianna Leach and many relatives and friends.

Jerry is predeceased by sisters, Mary Turrell, Donna (Howard) Merrill, Patricia (Robert) Muessig and brothers, Robert (Louise) O’Dell and Jack O’Dell.

Jerry had a long, fulfilling life. He grew up in Wellsboro in a large loving family during the Depression, the youngest of 6 children. After high school, he attended Temple University for 2 years, and then spent 2 years in the Army, serving in Europe. He returned to college, attending Mansfield State on the GI Bill. As president of the student council, he was privileged to meet and have dinner with Eleanor Roosevelt. Jerry taught World History at EFA, became vice-principal and then principal of Southside High School, a position he loved immensely. He was able to put his vast organizational skills to use, but, more importantly, his interests lay with the students and the staff. Jerry was intricately involved in the planning of the new high school, known today as Elmira High School.

Jerry met his future wife Louise in 1964 while they were both teaching for the Dept. of Defense in Germany. They traveled throughout Europe and returned several times to visit their favorite places.

“Papa” always played an instrumental part in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was always available to listen, help, respond, smile and love. They will forever be saying, “What would Papa do?”

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A live steam of the Mass will be available at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Livestream at this link, https://www.youtube.com/@ElmiraCatholic/streams click the “live” tab, and then Jerry’s name. Military honors will be held outside of church after the Mass. Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Wellsboro at a later date.

Thank you to Jerry’s wonderful family and CareFirst nurses for the loving care they provided during these final weeks. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 409 William St., Elmira NY 14901 or CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post NY 14870.