Richard N. Odom

Richard N. Odom, 80, of Berkshire and formerly of Lake Intervale, NJ., entered his new life on August 7, 2009 following a short illness. Dick is survived by his wife Mary Ellen (Thomas) Odom and his children and their spouses, Sharon Odom, of Newton , NJ, Sue and Rick Genovese of Timberlake, NC, Rick Odom of Denville, NJ, Kim and Dan Mullooly of Andover, NJ, Kevin Odom of Sparta, NJ. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Danny, Kyle, Tyler, Brittni, Kirsten, Ryan, Kameron and his step children, Kris (Tim) Taylor and their son Ryan and Mike (Sarah) Thomas all of Berkshire. Dick was born in Hackensack, NJ on February 23, 1929 . He was a veteran of the US Army serving in the Korean Conflict and was the recipient of 2 Bronze Service Stars and Combat Infantry Badge. He was married to Nancy (Fernald) Odom for 46 years prior to her passing in 2001. Dick was District Manager for the North Jersey District, United Parcel Service, and retired in 1984 following 23 years of service. He was a member of and also served as Chief for the Ridgefield Park Volunteer Fire Co. in NJ. Following retirement, Nancy and Dick established their home, Puddingstone Farm, on Brown Rd in Berkshire. Here, he raised National Prizewinning Polled Herefords and also his beloved Belgium Draft Horses. In addition, he sponsored many children with their 4-H Livestock projects, served on the Board of Tioga County Cornell Co-Operative Extension, served as Fire Commissioner for the Town of Berkshire, as well as becoming very active in the Town Government, helping to develop the 5 year truck purchase plan for the Town Highway Dept. and serving on the Berkshire Community Assoc. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1PM on Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church with Rev. Clarence J. Cerwonka officiating. Dick's family will receive friends Monday evening from 5-8 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ on Tuesday at 1 PM. Those who wish to honor Dick with a memorial contribution kindly consider the Berkshire Fire Dept. or the Berkshire Community Assoc. Hall Restoration Project in his memory.