Brandon A. Oddo

Following a courageous battle with DIPG, a rare type of brain cancer, Brandon Alexander Oddo, of Newport, PA, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022 at the age of 34. He fought bravely for two and one-half years, and with the donation of tumor tissue to Dr. Monje’s research lab at Stanford University, he continues to advance the fight against DIPG.

Brandon is survived by the love of his life, Kimberly Oddo, and their beautiful daughter, Lily Oddo, who lovingly took care of him in both times of sickness and health. Brandon’s parents, Rudolph Oddo, Jr. and Pamela O’Brien Oddo, as well as his brothers Perry Oddo and Samuel Oddo who supported Brandon through his two and one-half years of treatment. They will carry Brandon in their hearts forever. Brandon was especially close to his cousin Nicholas McConlogue, who is considered another brother. Brandon was predeceased by his grandparents Rudolph Oddo Sr. (“OddoPop”) and grandmother Tomacita Oddo “DaddyMom” and James T. O’Brien “Bear” and Ann O’Brien “Gram”.

Brandon will also be greatly missed by his in-laws, William and Peggy Kegg, Matthew Kegg, Melissa McHenry, and Kerrie Kern, who loved and supported him during his courageous battle. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Bran-Bran” to the children on that side. Love and support were also given by too many relatives and friends to mention by name.

On September 18, 1987, Brandon was born at Abington Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania. When Brandon was four, his family moved to Harrisburg, PA where he attended Susquehanna

Township schools and made life-long friends. He was known for his unique cartoon characters

which he developed into intricately drawn scripts of book size adventures. While attending Shippensburg University, Brandon met his wife and began a journey that would lead to his career in the Air Force.

After joining the US Air Force, Brandon and his wife saw many locales both domestically and abroad. He rose to the rank of Staff Seargent and was recognized for his leadership. In January, 2020, Brandon was presented with the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. Paul Nakasone, U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency for his work as Mission Manager. He oversaw five joint service members providing intelligence for over 80 tactical units.

Brandon entertained everyone with his hilarious stories drawn from his own life adventures. He always had a positive attitude and enthusiasm which was contagious. He was known for his kindness and generosity and never passed a homeless person without giving money with the admonishment “Don’t spend on cigarettes!” He never complained once about his medical condition. Brandon’s greatest joys were his wife and daughter, and dogs rescued while he was stationed in Korea. He was a devoted son and brother and loyal friend. To his family and friends, he was our very own Captain America.

From the bottom of our hearts, the family would like to thank: Lt. Col. James Fagan and team (Commanding Officer, Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA), Dr. Brett Theeler and Fatu Fofana, RN, BSN

(Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda, MD), Dr. Stephen Bagley (University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA), the VA Medical Center (Lebanon, PA), Hospice for All Seasons (Grantville, PA), Brenda Cook, RN, Newport, PA.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 11 AM until noon. A celebration of life will be held at noon at the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., with Mike Jordan officiating. Burial will full military honors will follow the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Per family request masks are to be worn.

Please make all donations to the non-profit that is helping to find a cure for Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), “Gift from a Child”: at www.swiftyfoundation.org/take-action/donatefac/

Gift from a Child
Web: http://www.swiftyfoundation.org/take-action/donatefac/