Joseph E. O'Dell, lifelong resident of Chatham, NY,  passed away December 2, 2011 with his loving family by his side at the Stratton VA Medical Center. He was born September 19, 1955 in Hudson, NY and was the son of the late Lewis and Jean Clegg O'Dell. He was a graduate of Chatham High School and went on to serve for the US Air Force where he was stationed in Knobnoster, MO. He was employed with Albany Transport as a truck driver, a profession he dearly loved. Joseph was an avid NASCAR fan and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Linda Whiffen O'Dell of Chatham, his children, Jeffery of Chilhowee MO, Kristin, Joseph (Jake) and Megan all of Chatham, two brothers, Wayne of Ghent and  Richard of Chatham and one sister, Katherine Laurange of Chatham, two nephews, Steven Laurange and Erik O'Dell of Chatham and a niece Samantha O'Dell of Chatham and a great nephew and niece. Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, NY, Tuesday December 6th from 6 to 8 pm. There will be a service on Wednesday at 11am at the funeral home, please gather at 10:45am. Interment will follow at the Spencertown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joseph's name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016 For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.frenchblasl.com.