Dr. Gilbert L. Oddo

Dr. Gilbert L. Oddo, former professor of history and political science at Mount St. Mary’s College and St. Joseph’s College, died on March 20th at the age of 79. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, according to his son David Oddo. "My father loved teaching and he loved children," said his son David. "When I was growing up [on West Main Street], my father used to organize games for all the children in the neighborhood." 

Dr. Oddo taught political science and history from 1953 to 1960 at Mount St. Mary’s College. From 1960 to 1965, he served as chairman of the social studies department at St. Joseph’s College. Dr. Oddo also taught full time at the University of San Diego (California) from 1966 until 1992. Born in Bronx, N.Y., Dr. Oddo grew up in Ramsey, N.J., where he lettered in three sports and served as senior class president. During World War II, he served with the Navy as an aerographer’s mate second class in the Pacific and in China. Survivors include his wife, Marian; Kris Ochoa-Keane of San Diego and Cathy Cornick of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; sons, David, James and Stephen, all of San Diego; and eight grandchildren."