A self-described character and New Yorker through and through, Michael Joseph O'Dea was born in Greenwich Village on April 26th, 1922, lived on the Upper West Side and in Washington Heights, and settled in Yorkville in the 1960's, his home for over fifty years.
He was the second son and youngest child of James and Ellen O'Dea. He was predeceased by all his siblings, Helen, James, Mary and sister Helaine, IHM, and his longtime devoted companion Sophie Lizak.
Mike began his career at the New York Daily News as a clerk in the Circulation Department in 1940 and retired as a city circulation manager in 1985 after forty-five years of employment.
During World War II, he served in the United States Navy and saw action aboard destroyers in the South Pacific. He was assigned to a small aircraft carrier in 1944 on which he served until honorable discharge in September 1945.
He was a talented athlete and loved walking the streets of his native city. He enjoyed racetracks and casinos but, perhaps, found the greatest pleasure in delighting others with stories from his life and comments on the issues of the day.
He is survived by his daughter Evelyn Henglein, three grandchildren, Tom, Tim and Victoria Henglein, a niece Maria Thompson, three nephews, Edward, Kevin, and Michael O'Dea, a grandniece Anne Thompson and her two children, Charles and Beatriz Bortolot.
Visitation will be on Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at Chas. Peter NAgel Funeral Home 352 E. 87 Street NY, NY
Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Josephs R.C. Church Wednesday April 24th, 2019 at 10:00 AM at 404 E. 87 Street NY, NY
In lieu of flowers please make all donations to St. Josephs R.C. Church 404 E. 87 Street NY, NY 10128
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