Stanley “Stan” O’Dell - Pleasant Valley Fire Company #1’s Oldest Living Member Celebrates His 100th Birthday

The Commissioners, Chiefs, and members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District extend their best wishes to Stanley O’Dell on his 100th birthday.

Stanley Patrick O’Dell is a distinguished member of the Greatest Generation, whose life exemplifies service, dedication, and quiet strength. As he reaches this remarkable milestone, the community recognizes his contributions during World War II, his commitment to family and community, and the lasting example he sets for others.

Born on March 17, 1926, in Patterson, New York, Stanley was the third youngest of four children to Helen Gardner and Henry Morgan O’Dell. In 1931, the O’Dell family moved to Verbank, New York, residing on the Eugene Ham Farm. Stanley’s father worked as a dairyman, and Stanley spent his childhood in the rural setting of Dutchess County.

At 18, Stanley volunteered to serve during World War II. While he requested assignment to the United States Navy, the draft board assigned him to the United States Army Air Forces instead. He attended basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, followed by technical instruction at Truax Field in Wisconsin and advanced training at Scott Field in Illinois, where he completed the Radio Direction Finder Mechanics Course.

Sergeant O’Dell served honorably from August 8, 1944, to August 8, 1946. He was deployed to Europe, working with the Army Air Communications Service under XII Tactical Air Command of the 12th Air Force, and assigned to the 160th Army Air Communications Squadron. His service took him to Tulln Air Base, located between Vienna, Austria, and Prague, currently known as Brumowski Air Base.

Stanley recalls many experiences from his wartime service, including trading chocolate for fresh eggs with a local family and a memorable moment when an aircraft buzzed him after he mistakenly crossed an active runway.

After returning home to Poughkeepsie, New York, Stanley worked in factory positions and began a new chapter of his life. On May 16, 1948, at age 22, he married Dorothy “Dot” Marie Traver of Rhinebeck, New York. Together, they built a life founded on hard work, family, and a strong sense of community.

In 1949, Stanley started a lifelong career as a dairyman with Fitchett Bros. Lakeview Dairy in Dutchess County. He became highly skilled in pasteurization and homogenization. His dedication led to his position as Chief Milk Inspector, responsible for inspecting and testing milk at supplying farms. Stanley retired in 1987 after decades of dedicated service.

In 1957, Stanley built a home on Martin Road in Pleasant Valley, where he and Dot raised four children. His commitment extended beyond his career, as he devoted nearly 20 years as a volunteer with the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company. He served as a firefighter and later became one of the department’s first modern Emergency Medical Technicians on the ambulance squad, eventually holding the position of Captain of the Pleasant Valley Ambulance Squad.

Stanley was an active member of American Legion Post 739 in Pleasant Valley and a communicant of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, maintaining strong connections with fellow veterans and his faith community.

In 1995, Stanley and Dot moved to Lakeland, Florida. After Dot’s passing in 2001, Stanley married Jimmie Minter of Waco, Texas in 2004. They lived together in Lakeland until her passing in 2023.

As Stanley celebrates his 100th birthday, he remains in excellent health both physically and mentally. He is a proud grandfather and great grandfather, known for his kindness and generosity. Residents in his community look to him for encouragement and companionship, and he often helps those who need assistance.

The Pleasant Valley Fire District recognizes Stan’s century of service, leadership, and dedication and wish him a fantastic birthday!