Bob O'Dea

Do your best.

Obituary

Robert John O’Dea (or Bobbo to many), 76, of Plainville, CT, died unexpectedly, with his wife and daughter by his side, on November 14, 2025. Bob (which he'd like you to know is spelled the same way frontwards or backwards) was a Plainville lifer who loved his central Connecticut community. He took a quiet pride in doing the unsung jobs every community needs done: working as a funeral director, volunteering as a Plainville firefighter for 51 years, refereeing soccer and basketball games across the state, and most recently serving as President of the Plainville Campgrounds. His favorite role, one he absolutely adored, was being on the sideline of almost every UCONN basketball home game for the past 23 years as the official scorer.

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan; his children Beth and Tom (and wife Ariane); his grandchildren Alice Kate, Kameron, and Sylvie; and his sister Kathy. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Shirley O’Dea.

Bob often proclaimed things “tremendous” - whether it was an event, a personal accomplishment, or his grandkids’ artwork. But Bob himself was tremendous. Always eager to be involved and stay busy, and wanting to be the guy you could always rely on, Bob touched countless lives with his never-ending advice, kind words, and willingness to lend a helping hand. His special talent was connecting with others, aided by a quick wit and a solid inventory of Dad jokes like “Is that with my senior discount?”

Though he loved being on the move, he never seemed to long for “more.” Bob found deep happiness in the familiar rhythm of Plainville life and the everyday interactions with friendly faces everywhere he went. He also loved showing people around his favorite places and sharing his favorite traditions. Being part of a big event energized him, and there are no bigger events than the Indy 500. He cherished sharing Indy with the people he loved, especially the first-timers, and never more than with his grandson Kam.

Bob always told us “do your best!” He never doubted we could, and he always truly believed that our best was just the right amount. Help us keep his memory alive by always believing in your own best.

Please share your memories of Bob below.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 30, 2025

To the O’Dea family…I had the wonderful opportunity to have known Bob while officiating a number of games at UConn and other schools throughout the years. Bob was a true gentlemen in every sense of the word. I will miss Bob and will pray that he continues to watch over all of us. I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Patrick Driscoll

November 21, 2025

I met Bob through Tom when he married my daughter, Ariane, and it felt as if we all immediately became family. His willingness to share his expertise when I needed it will always be remembered
But my fondest memory is hearing him call Tom ‘Tommy’. I never heard anyone else refer to Tom that way. Bob’s love and pride for his son came through in that ‘ simple Tommy’.
He will be missed.

Wendy Cardell

November 20, 2025

To my fellow Plainville lifer, dear friend, trusted colleague and biggest cheerleader- Thank you for being by my side for the past 30 years with love, encouragement, and all of those little “tricks of the trade”!
I will miss you dearly. ❤️

Andrea Wasley

November 18, 2025

To Sue and Family
Sue, we are so sorry for your loss. Bob was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known.
His kindness will be greatly missed.
Tom and Kay

Tom and Kay OToole

November 18, 2025

Dear Sue, Beth, and Tom,
Bob had a huge impact on my life and my career. We first crossed paths during my apprenticeship when he taught me several forms of communication with families. As you can envision, these were kind suggestions as he was looking to help me grow. That friendship continued over the years, as we would meet up to review our pre-arrangement program and how we could make it better. When communicating with Bob, the conversations were always positive. Most of the time, we would end up discussing the fire service, as we were both Deputy Chiefs (of different departments). As you would expect, he was always there with a call or a text of support. He will truly be missed.
Dan Ford

Dan Ford

November 18, 2025

Bob was such a kind man. We met thru Timing Is Everything and I witnessed his patience on numerous occasions. He was very helpful when I was learning how to be a courtside official. He was so gracious when I asked to to pose for a photo with my Joan at Mohegan Sun Arena. We certainly lost a wonderful person with his passing. Rest in peace, Bob.

Rick LeMay

November 17, 2025

Tom, Beth, and Mrs. O'Dea,
I will be out of state this week for the services, but I wanted to pass along my deepest condolences. A town is shaped by the people who show up for it, and Mr. O'Dea showed up every day with kindness, fairness, and heart. I know he will be deeply missed.

Jill Fitzgerald (Giannini)

November 17, 2025

My mother (Barb Pulaski) and Bob knew each other since early school days and stayed close as they had kids and families. Since us kids were close enough in age we spent many years on memorable trips to places like Vermont and Lake George. Those were special memories and I always connected with Mr. Odea through sports and heavy sarcasm. I’ll never forget the look he gave me when I asked him to add a heated toilet seat to the Vermont house because it was so cold. Now with kids of my own, and going places with other families, I realize how special those memories are. One of my kids (ironically named Tommy) plays soccer and so I will be making a donation of sorts on his behalf. I won’t be able to make the services by my thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Odea, Beth and Tom.

Chris Pulaski

November 17, 2025

Bob was a huge part of mine and my twin sister lives growing up. We moved into the neighborhood when we were just 4. Him and Sue always made time for us to come over, whether we were swimming or watching Sue sew downstairs, they always welcomed us happily. I will always remember him sneaking us into the garage to grab an ice cream in the freezer after a fun time in the pool. I am thankful to have grown up with such amazing neighbors who I created a lifelong bond with. From graduating high school to getting engaged and most recently welcoming my twins, I have always shared life’s biggest accomplishments with them. Bob, you will be greatly missed. Me and ally are sending you a thumbs up! We love you.

Gabby Siracusa

November 16, 2025

Dad was always proud to tell people that'd I'd commuted to elementary school by every possible transportation method: car, bus, walking, bike, and boat. He got us up early and we canoed across Paderewski Pond with our backpacks. I don't really remember actually doing that, but I do remember when he took my sister and I canoeing on some creek in or around Plainville. Somehow, the canoe rocked and Dad fell out into the 2ft deep water. I can still picture him standing in the creek, glasses askew, all wet, water above his knees, with Beth losing her mind sobbing thinking her dad was a goner.

Tom O'Dea

Family tree

John "Jack" O'Dea

Shirley O'Dea

Susan O'Dea

Kathy Skirvin

Beth O'Dea

Children

Kameron

Tom O'Dea

Children

Alice Kate

Sylvie

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Kathy Skirvin

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Susan O'Dea

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Beth O'Dea

Kameron

Tom O'Dea

Alice Kate

Sylvie

Bob O'Dea

Service

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