Michael Joseph "Joe" O'Dea, age 84, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Friday, September 11, 2015. He was born February 13, 1931 in New York, NY.

After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he went on to become a successful and well-loved District Sales Manager for Procter & Gamble. After retirement he poured himself into his children and grandchildren, known to them all as "Papa Joe," the dispenser of gummy worms. He was a brilliant wordsmith, an accomplished chef, and a savvy shopper.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Teri) O'Dea of Tucson, AZ, Karen (Bryan) Wilkerson of Bedford, MA, Eileen (Steve) Allingham of Wheaton, IL, Dorothy (Curt) Parrish of Hobart, IN, and Peggy (Joe) Wright of Tallahassee, FL.; 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Michael, Kelly (Isom), Brendan (Ellen), Mark (Elle), Daniel, Bryan, Kevin, Katie, Thomas, Danny and Megan; and four great-grandchildren, Laney, Nora, Hadley, and Davis.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy O'Dea; and his brother, Francis Clifford O'Dea.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Silverado Education Foundation, 1936 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.