Joseph Anthony O'Dette

Joe passed away at Toronto General Hospital on May 24th, 2026. 

He was born on July 18th, 1956, in Peterborough, to Gerard & Shirley O’Dette (Hutton).

Joe leaves behind his wife, Billie O’Dette (Roberts) of Peterborough; daughter, Courtney O’Dette of Peterborough; son, Nicholas O’Dette (Erika) of Miramichi NB; grandchildren, Jake and Hayden Seary and Finn, Jack, & Poppy O’Dette. 

Sister, Nancy Ecker (Heinz) of Toronto; Brothers John & Jim O’Dette.

Joe was an immensely kind, caring and gentle person. His generosity to those in his life was unlimited.

Joe left us at a time in his life when his energy and passion for living was strong and still growing each day. We will forever be grateful for the moments we shared with him, while undoubtedly wishing there could have been just a few more. 

He would be satisfied that he made the most of his time. Perhaps without always realizing it, he lived with intention and the deepest of purpose, all the while taking time to relax and live slowly. Some of the happiest moments of his life were the ordinary ones shared with family and friends; listening to the birds in the backyard; going on a walk with his grandchildren; on the front porch, reading the newspaper; in the pool with a cold beer and a book; playing (and losing) a game of cribbage on a quiet weekday evening after dinner. 

Joe and Billie married in 1990, and spent 36 years together in love. He will be missed for many reasons but especially as a husband, father, and grandfather. He always made time for family, whether it was a message or phone call, or the many trips to visit. As a parent, he showed grace, understanding, and patience to his children, and of course so much love and friendship. 

Joe developed a passion for travel at a young age. At 18, he hitchhiked across Canada, to BC and back, working along the way. Even in the days before his death, Joe was planning trips to Newfoundland, Costa Rica, and more.

He was curious, and loved reading and history. Joe was an avid cyclist who could be spotted almost daily along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough, through East City, around little lake and the south end.

He worked as Manager at Liftlock IGA (Foodland) in East City for decades, where he was happy to chat with neighbours and friends from the community. 

A fan since their start in 1977, Joe was thrilled to be in attendance with family to watch the Blue Jays return to the World Series in 2025. Most evenings in the summer you could find him listening to the ball game through an open window, while taking in the sunset. 

His friends were a huge part of his life. When he ran out of stories to tell, he would borrow one from a friend, or start repeating old ones. He knew that he was so fortunate to have many caring and loving people in his life. 

He touched many lives over the years in small and large ways. We are fortunate to have known, loved, and been loved by Joe. His spirit and energy will live on in those he knew and loved, in their laughs, smiles, stories and acts of generosity. 

We will remember him in countless ways.

In memory of Joe, donations to the PRHC Foundation or Riverview Park & Zoo would be appreciated by the family.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of Joe’s life, to be held on July 12th from 2-4pm, Highland Park Funeral Centre, 2510 Bensfort Rd, Peterborough.