Melvin James Odelli, 90, of Smithton, died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010 at his home. He was born Dec. 9, 1920, in Smithton, a son of the late Joseph and Lena (Righini) Odelli. Melvin was a World War II veteran having served in the Army Air Corp. He attended Duquesne University in 1941 and 1942, where he played football. After his discharge from the Army in 1945, he was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and was proud to of been part of the Steelers organization for 2 years, his jersey was No. 39.



Prior to his retirement, Melvin was a coal miner having worked for Republic Steel and Banning Mines in West Newton for 32 years. He was also co-owner of Eleanor's Hotel in Smithton, where he was the bartender for more than 55 years. He was a former member of St. Timothy's Church in Smithton and was presently a member of Seven Dolors Church in Yukon. He was former president of the Holy Name Society at St Timothy's Church. Mel also served on the South Huntingdon School Board from 1954 to 1969 and also was a judge of elections for South Huntingdon Township for many years. He was also a member of the Marconi Club in Smithton.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Joyce (Courie) Odelli; two step-grandsons, Joey and Joshua Hermann; two brothers, Donald and Delmar Odelli; a sister, Eleanor Angelo; and sister-in-law, Ann Odelli.



Melvin is survived by his son, Terrance "Terry" Odelli and his wife, Debbie, of Smithton; two step-sons, James "J.D." Courie and his wife, Pam, of Lowber, and Thomas "Tommy" Courie and his wife, Heidi, of Smithton, with whom he resided; two step-daughters, Brenda Hermann and her husband, Paul, of Lowber, and Ilene Linderman and her husband, James "Jim", of Scottdale; three grandchildren, Terrance "T.J." Odelli, Tisha Doohen and her husband, Terence, and Todd Odelli and his wife, Tracey; nine step-grandchildren, Jimmy Hermann and his wife, Lindsay, Tarah Ciarimboli, Shawn Linderman, Donald, Katrina, Meghann and Leah Courie, Joey and Ronnie Lemley; five great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Gwen German and her husband, Donald "Pete", of Smithton; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dog and faithful companion, "Copper." Melvin will be sadly missed by his family and many friends who will remember his smile and laughter forever.