Allen (Al) Odell died of an extended illness on April 2, 2019, at home in Waitsfield, VT, with his family. Al is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeanne; son, Mike Odell of Seneca Falls, NY; daughters, Nancy Brouillard of Warren, VT, and Abby Ostler of Nashua, NH; granddaughters, Tessa and Alexa Brouillard of Warren, VT, and Lindsey Rosencrans of Portland, OR; and grandson, Ely Ostler of Nashua, NH.
Al was born in Montour Falls, NY, lived in Watkins Glen, NY, and then moved to Seneca Falls, NY, at age 11. Al graduated from the University of Buffalo Pharmacy School ROTC becoming a third-generation pharmacist. In 1951, Al married Jeanne Lincoln and served three years active duty as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Al and Jeanne moved to Seneca Falls, NY, and raised their three children becoming sailors, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Al opened Odell Rexall Drugs in Waterloo, NY, and The Drug Store in Seneca Falls, NY. Avid skiers, the family made their way to the Mad River Valley staying in the original Mad River Barn. In 1971, after roughing out details with George Souhan on a cocktail napkin, they opened The Drug Store in Waitsfield, VT. Al owned and operated The Drug Store until deciding to retire at 80 years old, selling The Drug Store to the current owners.
To remember Al as the Valley’s pharmacist, we ask that donations be made to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673, in Al’s name. We are grateful to MRVAS for their compassionate and ongoing care given to Al and Jeanne during his illness. Goodbye, Al, Dad, Poppy. We are all better people for having you in our lives. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury, VT. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com
