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 a genuinely kind and gentle soul. His generosity towards everyone around him knew no bounds.
Joe left us during a time when his passion for life was vibrant and growing every day. We will always be thankful for the moments we shared with him while wishing there could have been even more.
He would be pleased knowing he made the most out of his time here. Without fully realizing it at times, he lived with purpose and intent while also taking moments to unwind and enjoy life at a slower pace. Some of his happiest memories were made in simple times spent with family and friends-listening to birds in the backyard, taking walks with his grandchildren, sitting on the front porch reading the newspaper, relaxing by the pool with a cold beer and a book in hand, or playing (and often losing) cribbage on quiet evenings after dinner.
Joe married Billie in 1990 and they enjoyed 36 wonderful years together. He will be missed for countless reasons but especially as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He always found time for family through messages or phone calls or during their many visits. As a parent, he demonstrated grace and patience toward his children along with endless love and friendship.
From an early age, Joe developed a love for travel. At just 18 years old he hitchhiked across Canada to BC and back while working along the way. Even shortly before he passed away Joe was busy planning trips to Newfoundland, Costa Rica, among others.
Curious by nature, Joe loved reading about history too. He was an avid cyclist who could often be seen riding along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough through East City around Little Lake and into the south end.
For decades Joe worked as Manager at Liftlock IGA (Foodland) in East City where he enjoyed chatting with neighbors and friends from the community.
A fan since their beginning in 1977, Joe was thrilled to attend games with family as they celebrated when the Blue Jays returned to the World Series in 2025. Most summer evenings you could catch him listening to baseball games through an open window while enjoying the sunset.
His friends played an enormous role in his life. When he ran out of new stories to share he’d borrow one from a friend or revisit old ones instead. He recognized how lucky he was to have so many caring people surrounding him throughout life.
Over time he made an impact on many lives both big and small ways. We are grateful that we had known him well enough to love him back just as much-his spirit will live on within those who loved him through laughter shared smiles exchanged stories told acts done out of kindness.
We’ll hold onto our memories forever.
If you’d like to honor Joe’s memory donations can be made to either PRHC Foundation or Riverview Park & Zoo which would mean so much to his family.
Please join us for a celebration of Joe’s life on July 12th from 2-4pm at Highland Park Funeral Centre located at 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough.
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