Paul A. Odell

Paul Allen Odell, age 91, of Chicago, Illinois passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022 surrounded by his daughter and loving time spent prior with son, family and friends. Paul was born September 11, 1930 in Davenport, IA. Beloved husband to the late Helen Ramirez-Odell, beloved son to the late Genevieve (Lawler) and Allen Odell. Loving father to Cyndi (Odell) Christel and Stephen (Merri) Odell, beloved step-father to Moira (Ramirez) Melendez. Loving Grandfather to Carson (Sarah) Christel, Steve Odell, Ryan (Emily) Edwards, David Edwards and Michael Melendez, beloved great grandfather to Makailyn, Isabelle, Ryan Junior, DeAndré. Survived by his former wife, Julie (Odell) Simeoni. Graduated from DePaul University w/ Masters in Education. Military: US Army-Sergeant First Class-1st Cavalry Div. 7th Cavalry Regt. (Infantry) OCC Medal (Japan) CIB KSM w/5 Bronze Stars, National Guard.

As a young boy, Paul bought and ran a shoe-shine business, tap danced on the radio, performed in a YMCA traveling trapeze acrobat show (specializing on Rings). Paul worked at a Rubber Plant, Steel Mill and labored as a construction worker, pizza delivery person, loaded box cars, sign cleaner/installer and became a member of the Teamsters, Electrical Workers and Rubber Workers Unions before joining the Chicago Teachers Union in 1960. Paul was a Chicago Public School Teacher and is remembered by is students for being a caring, hands-on teacher who taught with a well-timed sense of humor while teaching respect, discipline and was well known for having reptiles and small mammals in the classroom. As a teacher in the 60s there were 60 children in his class, no prep periods, no vacation, no paid health care or accumulation of sick days, no grievance or due process, discriminatory practices, and a salary that required working part-time jobs to make ends meet. Paul became a full time CTU Field Representative in 1979. He was instrumental in effecting change to make improvements not just for teachers but also the educational and environmental conditions to be of significant benefit for student’s learning.

Paul was a Docent at Lincoln Park Zoo which included traveling with small reptiles and mammals to schools and Assisted living/ Extended Care/Rehab facilities. He loved working with the animals and teaching people/ students about the animal’s behaviors, species endangerment, habitat, etc. He loved all animals and became a special friend and supporter of primates.

Paul loved acting and did so in many Theater performances for Working Woman’s History Projects where Paul excelled at playing villainous, sinister characters.

Paul loved collecting just about anything, he enjoyed the game of Golf (He was well known for running the CTU golf outings for many years) and was regularly going to the driving range and played golf late last summer. Paul loved to sing and enjoyed listening to music from Barbershop Harmonies to Dean Martin and Doris Day. He loved his dogs, his outdoor pond and indoor aquariums, he was an expert at puzzles but mostly just loved spending time with his family.

Paul is remembered for being a Survivor! He survived the Korean War, a challenging childhood, Health challenges including three different life-threatening cancers, strokes and overcame many other health issues but with Paul’s inner strength and faith, he became successful in loving and being loved by family, teaching, being a great neighbor and friend, a mentor and a very special kind of Hero to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations can be made to: www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html or the Peaceful Primate Sanctuary 6415 North 800 West, Winamac, IN 46996 www.baboonsanctuary.org

Visitation for Paul will be on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Service from 3:00 pm.-3:45 pm), at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka, Manager), 6000 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. A miliary committal & interment will be on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421. For info call 773-774-4100 or visit www.MalecandSonsFH.com.

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