ODELSON, SIDNEY Sidney Odelson, a 20-year resident of Rancho Bernardo passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 18, 2010. Sid was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Rose and Sam Odelson, was one of 11 brothers and three sisters, and lived in Chicago until he retired. He was a proud member of the Greatest Generation, including a career as a tradesman and a small business owner working as a furrier, and a dry cleaner manager/owner. He served in the U.S. Army's 30th Division infantry as a Staff Sergeant during World War II, landing on Omaha Beach and walking across France to Germany. He was very proud of his service and attended the 30th "Old Hickory" reunions in California and North Carolina. He also enjoyed talking about his military experiences to high school classes throughout San Diego. Being one of 14 children was also a great source of pride for Sid, since the extended family that was created still meets today for a reunion in Las Vegas. Currently, there are over 400 first, second, third and fourth cousins descended from the original Odelson family. Sid had a gregarious personality and enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone and anyone. In recent years, he was a regular at the 24 Hour Fitness facilities. He and his wife, Sylvia, were also very active at the Joslyn Senior Center in Rancho Bernardo, helping to start and run the center for many years. Sidney is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia, sons Robert and David, daughters-in-law, Susan and Shelley, grandchildren, Geoff, Becky and Annie, brother, Issy, and sister, Belle. A funeral service was held for Sidney at Temple Beth Israel on Wednesday, January 20th. A private memorial service will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in the near future. Memorial donations in Sidney Odelson's name may be made to the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center at 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 14, 2010.