Post by 84bdsop on Mar 18, 2009 2:00:47 GMT -5
From the Blue Devils website:
The Blue Devils are saddened by the passing of Antonio (Tony) Odello Sr. on March 17th. Tony was 89 years of age. Tony and his wife Ann were the founders of The Blue Devils in 1957. It all began with a small drum corps and drill team. Through dedication and hours of work they helped build The Blue Devils into the award-winning dynasty it is today.
He is survived by his wife Ann Odello, sons Rick (wife Debbie) and Tony Jr, and daughter Annette. Tony was so proud of his four grandsons Ryan, Adam, Ricky, and Andrew. His children and grand sons carried on with his legacy now for 52 Years."
I never had a chance to meet Mr. Odello when I marched the corps...frankly, as a rookout, I had no idea who he was.
Similarly, I never got a chance to meet Jerry Seawright, who had been the corps director (as a drum corps, not during the drum and bell corps era that Tony started), as 83 was the last year Jerry was at the helm, and 84 was the year he had a heart attack, so he was never around us.
I am saddened to have missed both men and wish I had the chance to meet them those many years ago.
Both have been and will be missed...and I am grateful to have been a part of what they built, even for one season.
"Antonio (Tony) Odello 1919-2009
The Blue Devils are saddened by the passing of Antonio (Tony) Odello Sr. on March 17th. Tony was 89 years of age. Tony and his wife Ann were the founders of The Blue Devils in 1957. It all began with a small drum corps and drill team. Through dedication and hours of work they helped build The Blue Devils into the award-winning dynasty it is today.
He is survived by his wife Ann Odello, sons Rick (wife Debbie) and Tony Jr, and daughter Annette. Tony was so proud of his four grandsons Ryan, Adam, Ricky, and Andrew. His children and grand sons carried on with his legacy now for 52 Years."
I never had a chance to meet Mr. Odello when I marched the corps...frankly, as a rookout, I had no idea who he was.
Similarly, I never got a chance to meet Jerry Seawright, who had been the corps director (as a drum corps, not during the drum and bell corps era that Tony started), as 83 was the last year Jerry was at the helm, and 84 was the year he had a heart attack, so he was never around us.
I am saddened to have missed both men and wish I had the chance to meet them those many years ago.
Both have been and will be missed...and I am grateful to have been a part of what they built, even for one season.