Doctor Melvin Leo Odze

Melvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Alice Odze, his sons, Michael Steven Odze and Andrew Neal Odze, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Kay Odze, and his 4 grandsons, Max Benjamin Odze, Hayden Jay Odze, Ethan Andrew Odze and Owen Neal Odze. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Edith Odze, his brother, Sheldon Odze, and his son, Daniel Keith Odze.

Melvin grew up working in his father’s hardware store before completing his undergraduate studies at Columbia University. At The Chicago Medical School, he earned his medical doctor degree and returned home to complete his residency at Beth Israel Hospital. First as resident, then chief resident, Melvin was sought after by his colleagues for his superior instincts and medical judgment. He established his practice as a doctor of internal medicine in Irvington, New Jersey and treated patients with a broad variety of conditions from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. A relative introduced Melvin to Joan, who he would marry. Melvin was drafted into the United States Air Force and he and Joan moved to Idaho together where he completed his deployment. While he was offered a promotion from Capitan to Major, his ambitions would take his family to Coral Springs, Florida where he and Joan raised their three sons. Melvin developed a highly successful allergy and immunology practice, which he successfully sold in his retirement to a regional practice.

While Melvin was a highly regarded doctor by his patients and colleagues, his devotion was always to his family. He and Joan were married for 62 years. A lifelong learner on so many topics, his family benefitted immensely from his knowledge and his dedication. While his sons and grandsons were in school, Melvin was studying right beside them. He was a man of deep faith and forever learning more about his own, and other faiths. Always eager to learn, to listen and debate, he elevated everyone’s intellect and inspired an open-mindedness given the changes he made in his own beliefs throughout his life. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate the incredible life he lived and the enduring example he provided.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Melvin’s memory may be made to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NicklausChildrens.org; and the Anti-Defamation League, ADL.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.starofdavidfuneralchapel.com for the Odze family.