Benjamin W. O'Dell

Benjamin W. O’Dell, 43, of Tucson died suddenly on January 16, 2025, while stopping at a convenience store on the way to work. He was born on August 14, 1981, in Fountain Hill, PA (near Bethlehem) to Elizabeth (Betsy) and Allen O’Dell now of Tucson. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Aileen (Staebell) O’Dell, two daughters, Riley, 1, and Chloe, 5, and stepson, Jon Staebell, 17, his brother, Rob O’Dell of Phoenix, his wife Sandra, and their daughters, Sofia, 7, and Isabella, 11.

Ben was a devoted dad and husband. He never missed a chance to play with his kids or trash talk about fantasy football with his brother. He was incredibly smart, kind, patient and, above all, hilarious. He doted on Jon and his daughters, who were the lights of his life. Ben loved sharing 90s music with Jon and giggling their way through Mad Libs books. He went on daddy- daughter dates with Chloe and took her on trips to the park, while Riley would sleep on his chest in the mornings before work and wait at the door at night for him to arrive home. With his family, house and career that he loved, Ben reached the happiest point of his life in the last several years. Our family regrets that he couldn’t continue to enjoy that peak for years to come. He is so missed by all those who knew him.

He received a BS in Hospitality Management from the Univ. of Delaware in 2004, an MS in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State in 2011 and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Franklin-Pierce Univ. in 2016. Since then, he spent his professional career practicing at a PT facility in the Rita Ranch area now owned by Athletico where he gained many dear co-workers and patients.

His private viewing and cremation are being handled by Bring’s Broadway Chapel. His remains will be scattered per his wishes in a private ceremony in a family plot in a Tucson cemetery which received the remains of two family cats in 2017 who were cherished by Ben. Ben enjoyed the serenity there when he sat on the bench next to the site. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 15 followed by a reception with light refreshments at Tucson Country Club, 2950 N. Camino Principal, Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Rd., Tucson AZ 85745 to honor Ben’s love for his pet dogs and cats or the Youth on Their Own program, 2525 N Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Also, a GoFundMe page to help defray cost of final arrangements and college funds for their girls have been established. Anyone so inclined may request links for making contributions from Aileen, Rob or Allen.