Thomas W. O'Dea Jr., of Sarasota, Florida formerly of Littleton, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at the age of 76. Thomas was born November 25, 1941, in Far Rockaway, New York, to the late Thomas W. and Priscilla (Castelli) O'Dea. He was a graduate of Oceanside Senior High School, in Oceanside, New York, Class of 1959 and received a Bachelor's of Criminal Justice from Lowell University.
In 1969, Tom and his wife moved to Littleton, Massachusetts, where he briefly worked for Digital Equipment Corp. Changing careers, in 1973 he joined the Littleton Police Department, was appointed Chief of Police in 1982, and retired in 1998. Tom also proudly served in the US Navy and US Naval Reserve, retiring as Master at Arms Senior Chief in 1997.
He enjoyed riding his Harley, RVing, weightlifting, bowling and spending time with his family. He loved to tease and tell extraordinary stories. A few of his proudest moments throughout life were his rise through the ranks of the Police Department and his advancements through the Navy, as well as his election to the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen in Littleton. His proudest moments, however, were his marriage to his wife and best friend, Patricia, and the birth of his two children, Tamara and Brian.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Patricia; loving children, Tamara O'Dea and Brian O'Dea (Carly Meiner); sister, Priscilla Horan; and cherished grandchildren, Reese, Kara, and Ryann. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard O'Dea.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at 1 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.
There will be a small reception following the services at The Winds of St. Armands South Clubhouse, 3000 N. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org.
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