Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1961 Lucky Bag:

KENNETH JOSEPH O'DEA

Ken — 12th Company

Ken came to us from the Fleet and needless to say their loss was our gain. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he’s been called on constantly. He was instrumental in building the Radio Club up to its present level of service to the Brigade. Those who weren’t paying attention at Catholic Chapel could see him singing with the Catholic Choir on Sundays. Ken started off with a bang in sports at the Academy and has had to take it easy ever since because of injuries. Home to Ken is Maspeth, New York, but he is never around there very long. The old saying “A sailor has a girl in every port” goes twofold for Ken and he’s always on the go to increase the score. Ken’s lighthearted sense of humor and easy going personality will always endear him to the hearts of those around him throughout his career.

Loss

From the May 1967 Shipmate:

Lt. Kenneth J. O’Dea, USN, died in an aircraft accident at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Meridian, Miss., on 17 Feb 1967. The accident, which is still being investigated, occurred shortly after take-off in marginal weather conditions. He had been serving as an instructor in basic jets in Training Squadron 9 at Meridian, flying the T2A.

Lt O’Dea was born in New York City, and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1961. He is survived by his widow Johan and two children, Steven Richard and Karen; and his parents.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

He was a member of the Catholic Church, the Amateur American Radio Relay League and the National Rifle Association.

He was also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Keller, Mrs. Patricia Bacalamente, and Dorothy; and two brothers Dennis and Michael.

Kenneth is buried in Florida.

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Gene Gollahon ‘61 was also a member of 12th Company.