Terry E. Odelli, 77, formerly of Monongahela, died unexpectedly October 24, 2019 in his home, (Waterford Michigan). He was born July 1, 1942 in New Eagle, the son of Joseph and Hazel Kunkel Odelli.
Terry was a 1960 graduate of Monongahela High School. During high school, he worked for the family business, Odelli's Confectionery Store on Main Street in Monongahela. Terry left Pennsylvania to attend Michigan State University and major in music education. During his college years, he was proud to play the trumpet in the MSU Marching Band. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Professional Musicians Fraternity where he eventually became President. In 1970, Terry married his "one true love," Linda Sager, also a teacher in the Pontiac and Brandon School Districts.
Terry began teaching band in 1964 at Lincoln Jr. High School in Pontiac and later accepted the position of Band Director at Waterford Kettering High School. Friday night football games, band concerts, and band competitions became a big part of his and Linda's life. They took the WKHS Band to camp in Oscoda, Michigan every year. Terry provided generations of musicians with memories of learning to play, march, square dance, perform skits, compete, and laugh together.
Upon retirement, Terry's love of music and his long time friend and colleague, Gerry Spry, encouraged him to participate as co-director of the Waterford New Horizons Band. His love of music has been shared with children and adults throughout the Pontiac and Waterford communities. His laugh, humor, music, friendships, and family will be missed by those who knew and cared for him.
In addition to his parents, Terry is preceded by his wife, Linda, who died December 28, 2018. He is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, God children, and good friends.
A memorial was held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pontiac on November 23, 2019. A reception followed in the Rose Neal Room at the church. Friends and family gathered in Waterford afterwards to share stories and toast the lives of Terry and Linda.
Friends and family are invited to attend a committal service on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 12:00 PM in the chapel of the Monongahela Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org).