John “Jack” O’Dea passed away on March 8, 2026, in Bangor, Maine. The son of Irish immigrant John O’Dea and Margaret “Loretta” (Carroll) O’Dea, Jack was born August 26, 1939 and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. From a young age, he developed a love of sports that he carried throughout his life. A gifted athlete, his fierce competitive drive served him well on the baseball diamond and gridiron through his education at Southern Connecticut State University, where he earned a degree in physical education.

Jack’s intellect and passion for connecting people fueled his growth from an educator at Connecticut Valley State Hospital to a highly successful Wall Street finance executive. For 19 years, Jack worked in the World Trade Center and traveled the world structuring innovative financial products that helped shape the global energy industry. In much the same way, Jack’s underdog spirit and fearless approach to life opened doors and paved the way for a life well and vividly lived. Whether politics, the arts, or sports—all at the highest levels—Jack seemed to know everyone and was happiest when he was right in the middle of the action. In later life, Jack was deeply affected by the tragic loss of countless friends and colleagues on 9/11. While fond memories of adventures shared around the world brought him comfort, he carried the weight of that profound loss and a lasting sense of responsibility for the many young professionals he had hired, mentored, and cared so deeply for and who were lost that fateful day.

Jack is survived by his three children, John J. O’Dea III of Apex, North Carolina; Rob O’Dea of Boulder, Colorado; and Jacqueline Smallwood and her husband, David, of Bangor. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Clare and Ruth O’Dea, daughters of John and former spouse Melissa; Danica and Nathan O’Dea, children of Rob; and David, Julia, and Rihan Smallwood, children of Jacqueline and David. Rihan and her husband, Mike Fusaris, have two children, Henry and Camille, Jack’s great-grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. Jack is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Kaneko O’Dea of Arnold, Maryland and former spouse, Ruth Pierson of Bangor.

Those who knew Jack will remember his fierce loyalty, competitive spirit, quick wit, and infectious laugh. He lived fully, always did his best, and left an indelible mark on the many lives he touched.

A summertime celebration of life is being planned.